Trade Catalog and Product Sample Collection

This collection consists of two groups of materials: first, a selection of mid to late 20th century exterior and interior product samples (e.g., paint chips, veneer samples, tiles); and second, late 19th- to late 20th-century manufacturers’ trade catalogs, brochures, product samples, with some associated photographs. Many aspects of general building and construction, as well as architectural details, are represented. Approximately 8,000 additional catalogs and samples are currently being processed. Please consult the Archivist for additional information. View finding aid.View selected images from this collection. Collection access:Collections may be accessed in the Franke Reading Room of the Research Center at The Art Institute of Chicago, by appointment only. For further information, consult the FAQ. Finding aids by subjectBrowse all finding aidsBrowse images and mediaOral histories Contact the Ryerson and Burnham Art and Architecture Archives:(312) 857-7676archives@artic.edu