Edward L. Loper

Edward L. Loper was an artist and documentarian active primarily between 1927 and 1936. His tenure centered on contributions to the Index of American Designs (IAD), a seminal Federal Art Project initiative established to systematically document and preserve visual records of American decorative and utilitarian folk arts. Loper’s work represents a crucial historical record of early American material culture.

Fifteen pieces of documentation associated with Edward L. Loper are represented in major collections, emphasizing detailed, factual illustration over interpretive style. Notable works documented include the Spice Box, the Childs's Dresser, and the Conestoga Wagon Jack. These historical records of unique Americana objects are held in institutions such as the National Gallery of Art, confirming their research and museum-quality significance.

Today, many of the visual records created by Loper for the Index of American Designs are available to the public. These precise historical records, often digitized, are frequently in the public domain. Edward L. Loper prints and associated drawings provide valuable insight for researchers, and high-quality prints derived from this governmental survey are widely accessible.