Oscar Bluhme

Oscar Bluhme was professionally active between 1935 and 1940, contributing significantly to the Index of American Designs. This initiative, a federally sponsored effort to document the decorative and material culture of the United States, represents Bluhme’s primary documented output. The Index, which includes fifteen pieces attributed to Bluhme, focused on providing detailed visual records of vernacular objects and crafts.

Bluhme’s work is represented in major institutions, confirming its historical and artistic value. The National Gallery of Art holds several of these designs, including Frow and Frow Club, Plinker and Wood Block, Decoy, Plane, and Bellows. These designs are highly detailed, providing high-quality records essential for cultural preservation.

Today, due to their historical classification, many Oscar Bluhme prints and designs are often categorized within the public domain. This institutional archiving ensures that museum-quality images and downloadable artwork from his documented output remain accessible for research, study, and conservation purposes.