Arthur Johnson

Arthur Johnson was an American artist or documentarian whose documented professional activity centered on the brief period between 1935 and 1936. His known output is specifically linked to the "15 index of american designs," indicating his contribution to the Index of American Design. This major Federal Art Project initiative of the Great Depression era aimed to create an exhaustive pictorial survey of historical American decorative arts and material culture.

Johnson’s work consists of meticulous studies of early American functional objects, particularly furniture. Specific designs held in museum collections include the Box Desk, Chair, Desk, Chair for Bliss House, and the Drop Leaf, Pedestal Table. These documents serve as important records of American craftsmanship and design history.

A representation of Johnson's work is preserved in the collections of the National Gallery of Art. As material generated under the Federal Art Project, these studies often enter the public domain, making high-quality prints of the designs available for researchers and enthusiasts today.