This is a PDF of the archival collection's finding aid, listing the contents of the collection. Click on it to view.
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Archival Collections ➔ Archival Collection #213 - W. Arthur Conrad Furniture Design
Identifier:
2007.41.1Description:
Collection of rolled furniture design drawings on paper (Series 1) by W. Arthur Conrad. The collection also includes a small number of photographs and tear sheets and one watercolor painting (Series 2) showing some of the furniture pieces post-production. Conrad designed for several West Michigan furniture companies including Grand Rapids Chair Co., Grand Rapids Upholstery Co., Ralph Morse Co., Charlotte Chair Co., Fine Arts Furniture Co., Widdicomb Furniture Co., and Baker Furniture Co. It appears a good deal of his work was done for an Iron Mountain, Michigan company called Khoury Bros. Inc. Other non-West Michigan clients included Setwell Co., Robinson Johnson, and Moffitt, Inc. Most of his designs are contemporary upholstered seating; but also include cocktail and occasional tables. This collection shows that while many of the furniture companies had moved out of West Michigan by this time, designers continued to live and work in the area. This collection contains good examples of furniture designed for the middle market. They were not cutting edge new designs, they were made for people who wanted pieces that were current but safe.A full listing of the contents of this collection can be found in the Finding Aid that is attached to the media section of this catalog entry.