Ideas for Old Rooms and New" from the scrapbook of Hazel Dell Brown

Lancaster, Pennsylvania: Armstrong Cork Company, 1944. Wraps. Stapled. Very Good. Oblong 8vo. 21 by 27.5 cm. 32 pp. The general approach is the pose a decorating problem, representing the "before", then, present the solution, with a color photo of the improved room. Eight of these photos are full page, and another six are half page. There are also six pages of Armstrong Cork's products, these pages having many color photos as well. The brochure's purpose, of course, is to sell Armstrong's products, by using the hook of providing some good advice, or serving as a reference, above and beyond crass advertising. Hazel Dell Brown (1892-1982) was the chief residential interior designer at Armstrong, and from this perch was immensely influential on American taste, through vehicles like this, among other things. This publication is uncommon. None other than print on demand versions on offer on line. Three institution listings on OCLC, and another two for what was probably an earlier version, but not identical, issued two years earlier. Cover has film of light soiling and moderate wear, with creases, a short closed tear, and the like. First leaf has some rough spots. Generally clean but clear signs of having been handled a good amount.