Harold Merriam

Harold Merriam was an artist active primarily during the latter half of the 1930s, with his documented period of output spanning 1935 to 1940. His work centered on detailed renderings of historical material culture, most notably designs associated with the Index of American Design. Fifteen of his pieces are cataloged as index of american designs, reflecting a significant contribution to the visual documentation of American decorative arts during this era.

Merriam focused on functional and domestic objects, capturing the intricacies of furniture and folk accessories. His represented body of work includes several studies dedicated to bandbox ornamentation, detailing both structural forms and applied decorative motifs. Specific designs represented in museum collections include the elaborate Bandbox - "Castle Garden" and the narrative-focused Bandbox Design - Hunting Scene. Merriam’s precise documentation also extended to furniture, exemplified by the drawing Cupboard with Drawers.

The importance of Merriam’s documentation is affirmed by its preservation in permanent institutional holdings, including the National Gallery of Art. Due to the nature of this archival work, many of these historical renderings have entered the public domain. Today, researchers and enthusiasts can acquire high-quality prints of Harold Merriam prints, often available as downloadable artwork documenting significant examples of American craftsmanship.