by:
Carron, Christian G.

Publisher:
Public Museum of Grand Rapids
Published:October 1, 1998
ISBN:0966652401
Format:Hardcover
Pages:244

Description: About the Author
Christian G. Carron is head of the curatorial department of the Public Museum of Grand Rapids, and has cultivated the furniture collections there for over ten years. Each year he answers hundreds of requests from around the world for information on Grand Rapids furniture. After studying in the Historical Administration Program at Eastern Illinois University, Carron curated similar collections in Louisiana and Kentucky. An active lecturer and author, Carron conducted much of the research for this publication during the development of The Furniture City, a permanent exhibition that opened in 1994.

Product Description:
Grand Rapids Furniture: The Story of America's Furniture City is the first major history to be published about the place that once crowned itself "The Paris of Furniture Design." Over 200 photos illustrate the lively text by Christian G. Carron, curator of one of the nation's largest furniture collections. The story begins in the 1830's with the region's first cabinetmakers, and covers designs from Victorian and Modern through Reform and Revival to the high-tech office furniture of the late twentieth century.

Delving deeper than forms and ornamentation, this volume includes anecdotes and insights from four of the most knowledgeable experts on the Grand Rapids furniture industry.

The detailed manufactures directory lists more than 800 West Michigan furniture makers past and present, including company names, locations, designers, and product descriptions. Never-before-published hints for identifying Grand Rapids furniture complement more than 400 maker's marks and labels, to make this an important resource for every reference shelf.