Plate Rack

Title

Plate Rack

Date

1903

Maker

The United Crafts
The Craftsman Workshops

Notes

This drawing for a plate rack that became the production model (no. 801) shows a few key differences that were made in the process of designing final form. While the general idea is there, the slight changes to proportion and line in the production model transformed the final look of the plate rack and gave a sense of grace and elegance lacking in this early iteration. The tops of the side rails are more oval in the finished version and tend to elongate the form. Note too how the top rail of the upper rack starts a bit lower and aligns with the curved top of its bracket, which is longer and projects less. Finally, the bottom plate rail was lowered a bit. Each of these decisions–by itself–is a small one, but the cumulative effect is quite profound.

Documented In

“A Simple Dining Room,” The Craftsman 5 (October 1903): 90