Dorothy Gernon

Dorothy Gernon was an artist known for her contributions to the Index of American Design (IAD), with an active period documented specifically between 1935 and 1936. The IAD, a New Deal initiative under the Works Progress Administration (WPA), required artists to create highly detailed, accurate renderings of American historical decorative arts and functional objects. Gernon’s work focused primarily on textile and apparel studies, documenting early American material culture.

Gernon contributed fifteen pieces to the index, which are considered crucial records of early American domestic life and fashion. Thematically, her known works center on documented historical garments and accessories. Specific examples represented in museum collections include two renderings of a Bonnet, along with designs for a Boy's Suit, a Dress, and a Slipper.

The comprehensive collection of Dorothy Gernon's work is preserved by the National Gallery of Art, which maintains the IAD archives. Due to the nature of their creation under a federal program, many of these detailed documentations are now considered within the public domain. Today, Dorothy Gernon prints are valued historical resources, and many are available as high-quality prints and downloadable artwork for research and study.