Candace Wheeler

Candace Wheeler, often hailed as the mother of interior design, was a pioneering figure in the field of interior and textile design in America. Born Candace Thurber, she played a crucial role in opening the profession to women, advocating for their education in the fine and applied arts, and supporting craftswomen throughout her career. Wheeler co-founded the Society of Decorative Art in New York City and the New York Exchange for Women's Work, both of which were instrumental in promoting women's contributions to the arts. Her collaborations with notable figures like Louis Comfort Tiffany showcased her talent, particularly in textiles, and her firm, The Associated Artists, further established her influence in the design community. Wheeler's work was deeply intertwined with significant artistic movements of her time, including the Colonial Revival, the Aesthetic Movement, and the Arts and Crafts Movement. She gained national recognition for her design of the Women's Building at the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago, which highlighted her commitment to elevating women's roles in design and decoration. Through her editorial work and numerous publications, she left a lasting legacy that not only shaped the field of interior design but also empowered women to pursue careers in the arts, making her a key figure in the history of American design reform.