Earl Butlin

Earl Butlin was active for a brief period between 1937 and 1938, during the operation of the Federal Art Project in the United States. Butlin is recognized for their contributions to the Index of American Design (IAD), a comprehensive governmental initiative established to create precise visual documentation of American decorative and folk arts dating from the colonial era through the nineteenth century. Nine works by the artist are associated with this extensive index.

The works attributed to Butlin adhere strictly to the IAD’s mandate, capturing the form and detail of functional domestic and agricultural objects. The subjects documented include highly detailed renderings of items such as Baker's Table, Child's Boot, Lantern, Metal Door Lock, and Oxen Yoke. These historical records are valuable resources for scholars and designers. The works are represented in significant institutional holdings, specifically preserved in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

As records created under a government-sponsored program, much of the documentation produced by IAD artists like Earl Butlin falls into the public domain. High-quality prints of these technical drawings and watercolors are widely available for research, serving as foundational resources in the study of American material culture. The availability of this work as downloadable artwork ensures continuous accessibility to Butlin’s precise contributions to the Index.