Irene Lawson

Irene Lawson was active as an artist and documentarian during a brief period spanning 1935 to 1939. Her work is primarily associated with the Index of American Design (IAD), a major visual documentation initiative under the New Deal’s Federal Art Project (FAP). Lawson contributed fifteen distinct items to the Index, focusing on the careful rendering and chronicling of early American decorative and utilitarian artifacts.

The Index of American Design sought to create a comprehensive pictorial survey of traditional American arts and crafts, often capturing objects deemed exemplary of historical style. Lawson’s contributions reflect this focus, primarily depicting historical apparel and accessories. Documented examples held in collections include a study of a "Poke" Bonnet, a Brooch, and multiple renderings of a Dress.

Lawson’s importance is established through the archival value of her meticulous documentation. Fifteen of her studies are represented in public holdings, confirming the historical significance of her output within the WPA projects. Five of these works are specifically documented within the collections of the National Gallery of Art.

Because the materials created for the Index of American Design often fall into the public domain, the documentation executed by Lawson is frequently referenced by researchers. High-quality prints of these precise historical studies are widely available, allowing researchers seeking Irene Lawson prints to examine her contribution to this crucial national archival effort. The precision required for the Index makes her documentation suitable for museum-quality display.