The Historical Society of Early American Decoration Collection

The Historical Society of Early American Decoration (or HSEAD) is a group of practicing guild artists who conduct education programs, research and exhibitions to perpetuate and expand the unique skills and knowledge of Early American Decoration. Decorated articles from the homes of our forefathers are the focus of our work. These include furniture, cornice boards, painted tin trunks, coffee pots, trays, bellows, glass panels in clocks, gilded looking glasses, and painted and stenciled walls and floors. Thirteen affiliated local chapters carry the mission of the Society. Members work individually and in workshops taught by certified instructors in stenciling, pontypool painting, gold leafing, Victorian flower painting, penwork, reverse glass painting, clock dials, country painting, freehand bronzing and theorem painting. The society extensively researches original decorative art from the period of the 1700-1800s. In addition to several books and videos, members continue to publish articles for The Decorator (the official publication of the Society) and other publications. The Society also has an awards program for outstanding teaching and craftsmanship in various fields, and maintains a lending library of authentic original early American designs.

In 1946, a group of students formed HSEAD to honor the memory and perpetuate the work of their teacher, Esther Stevens Brazer (1898-1945). Brazer, the accepted authority on Early American Decoration, was a pioneer in recognizing it as a valuable art form. She was a diligent researcher, teacher, and the author of Early American Decoration, the first book on the topic. She devoted many years to studying and preserving original pieces, and elevating the standards of reproducing decoration.

Source: Historical Society of Early American Decoration, http://hsead.org/about-us/