"Inventing the Modern World explores innovation and its effect on the creation of objects and modern life. Objects examined here not only illustrate inventive or revived fabrication techniques, but also embody cross-cultural and cross-national influences, and reflect the significant nationalistic objectives and folkloric customs that shaped the competition inherent in the events. They also illuminate how the fairs became places where designers, makers, and consumers assembled to learn about other peoples and cultures, to make discoveries about craftsmanship and manufactures, to appropriate ideas, and to acquire works"--Cover flap.
Decorative arts at the world's fairs, 1851-1939
From progress to modernity: invention and innovation at the World's Fairs / Regina Lee Blaszczyk -- Manufacturers at the World's Fairs: the model of 1851 / Martin P. Levy -- "Modern Renaissance": revival and progression in decorative arts at the World's Fairs / Jason T. Busch -- J. & L. Lobmeyr: a case study of glass at the World's Fairs / Jane Shadel Spillman -- "The federation of mankind": cross-cultural influences in decorative arts at the World's Fairs / Catherine L. Futter -- "All the ages of the world": inspiration and innovation from Tiffany & Co. at the World's Fairs / Annamarie V. Sandecki -- Kings, peasants, dragons and flowers: national symbolism in decorative arts at the World's Fairs / Ethan Robey -- Modernity revealed: the World's Fairs from 1900 to 1925 / Stephen Harrison -- Style through science: modern industrial design and the World's Fairs of the 1930s / Kevin W. Tucker -- Exhibiting firms, designers and artists / Karin A. Jones and Dawn Reid.
Decorative arts--History--20th century--Exhibitions
Decorative arts--History--19th century--Exhibitions