Nancy Vincent McClelland (1877-1959): Professionalizing Interior Decoration in the Early Twentieth Century

ISSN： 1741-7279

Source： Journal of Design History, Vol.21, Iss.1, 2008-01, pp. : 59-74

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Abstract

This paper explores the beginnings of professionalization in interior decoration during the early twentieth century mainly within the context of the writings and professional activities of Nancy Vincent McClelland. A member of the first generation of women decorators in the USA, she was a respected interior decorator, author, lecturer and expert in antiques and wallpapers. McClelland was also a life-long advocate of education and professional standards, including licensing, for decorators. She made important contributions to the field in these and other areas through her writing, speaking and activities in professional organizations. Her colleagues acknowledged her zeal for professionalization by electing her as the first woman to be national president of the American Institute of Interior Decorators, now the American Society of Interior Designer. Following a brief overview of the role of women as professional decorators, the paper documents some of the first steps in the professionalizing process of interior decoration and McClelland's contributions to and ideas about that process. It also suggests some of the strategies she and other women decorators used to compete and succeed in the predominantly male business and professional world.