Illustrated Catalogue Descriptive of the “Economy" Wall Desk and Other Specialties 

Publishing Date: 1890

Size: 5 x 7.8in

Location: Cortland, NY

Printed By: Giles & Co. Buffalo, NY

Purpose

These catalogs were brought door-to-door to advertise the Cortland Desk Company. Inside each booklet would be a detailed image of each desk with sizes attached.  Their clientele was mostly businesses and some families.  Along with their products listed in the catalog, the business also talked about their company's goals and aspirations, along with return policies and how to order through them. 

Significance in Design History:

This catalog presents the early developments in graphic design, showcasing the transition from decorative art to more functional design. In 1890, most designs featured ornate and decorative styles with numerous photographs and art forms. However, there was a shift towards more streamlined, geometric designs. This design exemplifies the transition, with a decorative cover and a more structured, informative interior. This style inspired movements like the Bauhaus and marked the early use of commercial art in business and corporations. These individual flyers were sent to households to showcase products, similar to modern-day mail flyers. This piece is a great example of how graphic design began to be used for advertising and commercial purposes.

Another notable element is the printing technique. New technologies were utilized in the design, and this archive shows great detail in the textures and line work. Lithography printing was used to achieve this level of detail, evident from the black design and artwork on green-colored paper.

This catalog highlights the early evolution of graphic design, illustrating the shift from ornate, decorative styles to more functional, geometric designs around 1890. It showcases the influence of this transition on movements like the Bauhaus and the early use of commercial art in business. The detailed lithography printing technique used in this piece reflects the technological advancements of the time, making it a significant example of early advertising and graphic design.