Universal Design Research at Hagley

Further Research at Hagley

Hagley Museum and Library collects, preserves, and interprets the unfolding history of American Enterprise. It houses an important collection of manuscripts, photographs, books, and pamphlets documenting the history of American business and technology.

Information about conducting research at Hagley.

Thomas Lamb Papers | 70.25 linear feet

This collection contains papers, drawings, sketches, and artifacts pertaining to the career of industrial designer Thomas Lamb (1896-1988). These items trace the development of Lamb's unique handle design, as well as his pursuits in the fields of textiles, cartoons, and writing, particularly for children. A wide variety of textile design (in scrapbooks, paintings, and products) is represented throughout the collection. The Kiddyland materials provide a look into Lamb's lighter side as well as his methods of inspiration. The largest amount of material pertains to Lamb's physiological and anatomical research on the hand, as well as the handles he created to maximize their power.

Finding aid for the Thomas Lamb Papers available online

Marc Harrison Collection | 23 linear feet, 3625 drawings

This collection documents the career of industrial designer Marc Harrison (1936-1998). Materials include correspondence, reports, promotional materials, product literature, publications, project files, drawings, and sketches. These papers trace Harrison's work on what became known as Universal Design, the designing of products that could be easily used by the disabled and the elderly, as well as the general consumer. The collection also includes the papers of chemist Peter Schlumbohm (1896-1962), best known for his design of the Chemex coffee maker.

Finding aid for the Marc Harrison Collection available online