Flat Iron Holder c. 1941

Helen Hobart made this drawing of a Flat Iron Holder, but the date is unknown. This image presents more than just an object; it reflects a moment when art education embraced the everyday. We see not only the holder's design but also the artistic conventions of the time. In institutions, students were trained to observe and represent objects with technical precision. The drawing, with its detailed rendering and multiple views, speaks to the values of observation, accuracy, and craftsmanship, as well as this transition in art education. Where was Hobart situated within this changing landscape? Archival records of art schools, student exhibitions, and instructors can illuminate how such drawings fit into a broader curriculum that aimed to shape artistic sensibilities and design principles. The study of this work opens a window onto a world where art and industry intersected.