Hal Blakeley

Hal Blakeley was an artist active during a brief but historically significant period spanning 1935 to 1940. Blakeley’s documentation work is directly associated with the Index of American Design, a major federal arts project initiated during the Great Depression to visually record the history of decorative and utilitarian arts in the United States. Blakeley contributed studies and renderings designed to preserve the visual record of American craftsmanship and folk art.

Approximately fifteen works by the artist are recorded within the Index of American Design’s extensive visual archive. These detailed studies function as invaluable historical documentation, capturing the forms and characteristics of objects ranging from domestic implements to children’s toys.

Blakeley’s works represented in collections include the functional documentation of an Axe, a Bench, and a Candle Holder. Additionally, more specific cultural artifacts are documented, such as the studies of the dolls Doll - "Carrie" and Doll - "Lilla Rosella Hatch". Examples of Hal Blakeley's prints and drawings associated with this effort are held in major institutional archives, including the National Gallery of Art, confirming their status as museum-quality historical documentation. As much of this archival material is often considered part of the public domain, the studies by Blakeley remain accessible for research and are frequently reproduced as high-quality prints.