Ohio enjoys a rich artistic heritage: its inhabitants have made significant contributions in the arts; its schools have produced artists of international acclaim; and its companies have employed progressive manufacturing techniques and pioneering materials in the production of their wares. Ohio’s artistic tradition is especially impressive in the area of the decorative arts from the first two-thirds of the twentieth century. The state’s economic boom at that time was due, in part, to innovative designs developed by companies working together with artists.
Bringing Modernism Home: Ohio Decorative Arts, 1890–1960 showcases this important contribution. It investigates Ohioans’ influence in bringing international vanguard movements-such as Arts and Crafts, Art Deco, and Biomorphism-out of art galleries and museums and into the domestic realm.
Carol Boram-Hays discusses a variety of media and forms, including glass, ceramics, enameling, furniture design, metalwork, and jewelry. The book is lavishly illustrated with examples of work from more than 120 artists and companies. Although twentieth-century decorative arts have been the subject of increasing interest in both the public and private sectors, Bringing Modernism Home is the first publication to examine the wide range and superb quality of works produced by Ohio artists and companies.
