Art and Architecture Collection > Decorative Arts: A Research Guide

Decorative Arts: A Research Guide
Furniture; Glass and Stained Glass; Metalware; Rugs and Carpets

The study of decorative art objects is an old practice, but has accelerated during the 20th century, with the founding of decorative arts, related museum studies degree programs, and general public interest in collecting antiques and collectibles. Materials on the decorative arts can be found mainly in the Library’s Art & Architecture Collection. The collection has rich retrospective holdings on furniture, glass and stained glass, metalware, and rugs and carpets. All of the reference resources listed in this guide are located in that department. These reference tools can help in identifying the origins of various objects and serve as useful guides to visual images, history, terminology, and bibliography for further study. While the staff of the Art & Architecture Collection cannot engage in authentication and appraisal, they are able to lead users to appropriate reference sources for attribution and provenance research. Publications related to decorative arts economic production and patronage may also be found in the General Research Division. Separate research guides are available on Jewelry and Pottery.

Compiled by Paula A. Baxter, Art & Architecture Collection, 11/07