Design for Plain Hat Tree in Plan and Elevation

About this artwork

Research in Progress

Art Historical Context

Step into the early 20th-century American home with this intriguing *Design for Plain Hat Tree Plan and Elevation*, created by the A.N. Davenport Co. 1900–05. A "hat tree," also known as a hall tree was an essential piece of entryway furniture designed to hold hats, coats, andllas, reflecting the practical needs of bustling households at the turn of the century. This drawing presents both plan (top-down) and elevation (side) views, showcasing the meticulous drafting techniques used by furniture manufacturers to blueprint simple, functional designs for mass production. Produced by A.N. Davenport Co., a notable American firm specializing in furniture, this piece highlights the era's emphasis on sturdy, unadorned utility amid the shift from ornate Victorian styles toward cleaner, modern forms. Such designs democratized home organization, making everyday elegance accessible. Today, it resides in the Smithsonian American Art Museum's collection, generously gifted by The Lake St. Louis Historical Society, offering a window into industrial design's role in shaping domestic life. Though research continues, this modest blueprint captures the ingenuity of American craftsmanship, reminding us how even the plainest objects carried cultural weight in daily routines. (198 words)