Edward D. Williams

Edward D. Williams was an artist active during the brief but historically significant period between 1935 and 1941. His professional output is primarily associated with the Index of American Design (IAD), a major initiative under the Federal Art Project dedicated to documenting traditional and decorative American material culture. Williams served as a precise draftsman and recorder, focusing on the careful rendering of historic artifacts.

The historical significance of Edward D. Williams’s prints is established by their inclusion in major institutional holdings. Ten of his Index of American Design documents are preserved in museum collections, notably at the National Gallery of Art. These renderings provide valuable insights into American crafts and folk arts. Documented works held in the collection include detailed studies such as Printed Cotton Swatches, a Shaker Cedar Basket, and the intricate detailing of Shaker Chair Braids. His documentation also extended to furniture and utilitarian objects, represented by the Table (Dining?) and a detailed image of a Pierced Tin Lantern.

The meticulous nature of these records ensures their longevity as museum-quality historical documents. As works commissioned under the government programs of the mid-20th century, many of Edward D. Williams’s prints are currently available in the public domain, offering important reference material for scholars and designers.