Mildred Ford

Mildred Ford was an artist active during a concentrated period between 1935 and 1936. Her documented output consists primarily of studies related to the Index of American Design, a federal arts project dedicated to creating a comprehensive visual archive of American decorative arts and folk culture dating from the colonial period through the nineteenth century.

Ford’s work involved creating measured drawings and precise renderings of functional historical objects. The 15 index designs attributed to her name are essential historical documentation, representing utility items and domestic hardware. Examples of the objects she documented include the Bread Tray, the Ember Carrier, and various light sources such as the Candle Holder, Candle Sconce, and Chandeleir. The detailed nature of these renderings ensures their lasting relevance for historians and curators studying American material culture.

Mildred Ford’s index designs are preserved in major American collections, notably the National Gallery of Art. Today, these works often fall into the public domain, making them valuable resources for researchers. The detailed, museum-quality rendering of these historical artifacts ensures their continued use, and they are frequently made available as high-quality prints for study and exhibition.