Edward Bashaw

Edward Bashaw was active in the American art documentation field between 1934 and 1941, primarily contributing to the Index of American Design (IAD). This Federal Art Project initiative focused on the detailed, accurate rendering of historical American decorative arts and utilitarian objects, establishing a visual record of material culture spanning early colonial periods through the nineteenth century.

Bashaw’s known output consists of 15 index of American designs, meticulously documenting various aspects of craftsmanship. These works function as technical renderings, demonstrating the form and structure of period objects rather than interpreting them artistically. Specific designs represented in museum collections include the Pottery Milk Jug, Shelf Clock, Bucket, Candle Mold, and Ink Marking Pen.

The importance of Bashaw's work lies in its historical preservation and archival quality. Today, his documented designs are represented in the collections of the National Gallery of Art. Because these documents were produced under a federal mandate, many of the Edward Bashaw prints are now available in the public domain, providing researchers and enthusiasts access to high-quality prints of essential historical artifacts.