Burton Ewing

Burton Ewing was professionally active during the mid-1930s, with documented work spanning the years 1935 to 1937. Ewing is primarily associated with the Index of American Design, a key initiative of the Works Progress Administration (WPA) established to create a systematic visual record of American decorative arts, folk traditions, and material culture.

Ewing’s contributions to the Index consisted of precise, detailed renderings of historical objects and designs. Five documented works attributed to the artist are represented in museum collections, including the National Gallery of Art. These specific studies feature examples of functional objects and design elements, including four separate depictions of lighting fixtures titled Lamp, alongside a design rendering for a Wall Paper Border.

As accurate visual records stemming from the Index of American Design, these works are critical resources for historical study. Documents created for the Index frequently enter the public domain upon completion of their institutional cataloging. Consequently, many institutions offer high-quality prints of Ewing’s documentation for research and educational purposes.