The NYSID Library has many resources to assist students looking for antique furniture from various historical periods to for
  use in studio projects.  In addition to the Library's extensive holdings in books on various periods, some special resources
  are available.  These includes online image databases, auction house catalogs and reference works.  Additionally, the
  location of the NYSID campus is ideal due to its proximity to some of New York City's finest antique dealers, showrooms
  and Sotheby's auction house.  The opportunity of inspecting such furniture and objet de virtu in person cannot be
  matched through any published source and should not be missed.

  Auction House Catalogs

  The Library maintains subscriptions to furniture and decorative arts catalogs from both Sotheby's and Christie's auction
  houses.  These catalogs will not circulate from the Library for the first two weeks of every semester to insure equal access
  to students in all sections of the Residential Design I studio.  These catalogs contain excellent reproductions as well as
  accurate descriptions and measurements.

  Online Image Databases

  NYSID's image database, the IDOL Teaching Collection contains hundreds of images of furniture with cataloging data,
  some including measurements and material.  IDOL can be connected to from any computer with internet access, though
  students must have the student username and password.  Connect to IDOL.

  The following freely accessible internet image databases are also highly recommended for finding excellent images
  and information on traditional furniture:

  Atlas: Musee du Louvre (Paris, France)  Online Database of the collections at the Louvre (in French).
  Bayou Bend Collection  American Furniture from the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Texas.
  Getty Collections  Catalog of the collections of the J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles, California.
  Metropolitan Museum of Art  Catalog of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, New York.
  State Hermitage Museum (St. Petersburg, Russia)  Catalog of the Hermitage Museum, St. Petersburg, Russia.
  Victoria and Albert Museum (London, England)  Catalog of the V&A, London, England.

  Reference Works

  The Library has many reference books dealing with historical furniture.  Students are here referred to the syllabi of the
  Historical Styles courses.  Additionally the following reference books have some excellent information on historical
  furniture:

  De Chiara, Joseph, et al., Time-Saver Standards for Interior Design and Space Planning.  New York: McGraw-Hill, 1991.
  Pages 5-60 contain information, drawings and measurements for period furniture and general furniture dimensions.

  Reznikov, S. C., Interior Graphic and Design Standards.  New York: Whitney Library of Design, 1986.  Pages 259-268
  contain drawings, terminology and measurements of typical historical forms.

  Searching the BobCat Catalog

  The Library collects many books on the furniture of specific historical periods.  To find particular holdings, it is suggested
  that one begin searching through the keyword search in BobCat, after selecting the New York School of Interior Design
  from the location menu.  From the keyword search screen, input the period term you are seeking (e.g. Directoire,
  Biedermeier, Regency, Georgian, etc.).  Alternatively, from the phrase search screen, you can input the word "furniture"
  and browse the Library of Congress Subject Headings that correspond to various periods and types of furniture.  Follow
  the hyperlink on the heading that corresponds to your search and you will be taken to the appropriate records.

  Local Dealers, Showrooms and Auction Houses

  The Upper East Side of Manhattan is home to many of the countries finest antique furniture dealers, showrooms and
  auction houses.  They all allow students access to their showrooms, and some print catalogs and will give out photos
  and information.  Further, viewing actual objects allows students to gain an understanding of scale and materials.
  Here are the names, addresses and websites of some of best in the area:

  Sotheby's New York Auction House: 1334 York Avenue (between 71st and 72nd Streets).  Sotheby's often has exhibitions
  of furniture and decorative arts, lasting one week before sales.  For their calendar, hours, and to browse their online
  catalog, go to their website: sothebys.com.

  Evergreen Antiques: 1249 3rd Avenue (at 72nd Street).  Evergreen Antiques specializes in 18th and 19th century
  Northern European antique furniture.  Browse their inventory on their website at: www.evergreenantiques.com.

  Karl Kemp Antiques: 833 Madison Avenue (between 69th and 70th Streets).  Karl Kemp specializes in Biedermeier, Art
  Deco and Neoclassical antique furniture and has a fine website which includes an online database of their current
  inventory: www.karlkemp.com.

  H. M. Luther Antiques: 35 East 76th Street (just off Madison, in the Carlyle Hotel).  H. M. Luther specializes in 18th and 19th
  century European furniture.

   Compiled by Eric Wolf, Last Updated: May 31, 2006