Wharton Esherick (1887-1970)
Tredyffrin Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
An internationally significant artist who worked primarily in wood, Esherick was a leader of the Studio Craft Movement. He is best known for his organic sculptural furniture and his ability to transform utilitarian objects into art. From 1926 until his death, he lived and worked nearby in his handcrafted studio, which he called his autobiography. His work continues to inspire contemporary artists and designers today.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
Wharton Esherick was an internationally admired artist who worked chiefly in wood, and a leader of the American Studio Craft Movement. He is best known for organic, sculptural furniture that blurred the line between useful object and fine art. From 1926 until his death in 1970 he lived and worked in a handcrafted hilltop studio near here โ a building he shaped over the years and called his "autobiography."
Why it matters
Esherick helped lift American craft to the level of fine art, and his influence still runs through the work of contemporary furniture makers and designers.
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Related people
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Themes & tags
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