Object Timeline
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1952 |
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2016 |
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2017 |
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2024 |
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Textile, Treasure Trove
This is a Textile. It was designed by William Ward Beecher and produced by Associated American Artists. It is dated 1952 and we acquired it in 2016. Its medium is cotton and its technique is printed. It is a part of the Textiles department.
William Ward Beecher, whose art career began when he won a U.S. Air Force art contest, became known as an expert in the trompe l’oeil style.
Betty Pepin wrote of his skilled hand in The New York Times on February 27, 1953: “’Treasure Trove’ by William Ward Beecher is a meticulous three-dimensional trompe l’oeil picture of ivy, books, a sextant, a metronome and a candlestick placed on shelves.”
In this colorway, the treasures are arranged on light blue shelves, casting shadows on the gray walls behind them.
Pepin noted that this design recalled the Americana theme of Pioneer Pathways, the original collection of Riverdale Fabrics. Treasure Trove was also released as a line of Stonelain ceramics.
This is one of five distinct designs by Beecher presented for consideration.
This object was
donated by
American Textile History Museum.
It is credited American Textile History Museum Collection.
Its dimensions are
H x W: 231.1 × 115.6 cm (7 ft. 7 in. × 45 1/2 in.)
Cite this object as
Textile, Treasure Trove; Designed by William Ward Beecher (American, 1921 - 2006); Produced by Associated American Artists (United States); cotton; H x W: 231.1 × 115.6 cm (7 ft. 7 in. × 45 1/2 in.); American Textile History Museum Collection; 2016-35-24
