The Normal Union System of Industrial Drawing 19th c. Watercolor Paintings





There were eight volumes of the incomprehensible Normal Union System of Industrial Drawing published by Sower Potts and Co. in 1878.  There were dozens of private "textbook" publishers at the time who sold technical manuals to schools and individuals.  The bulk of this one seems to be as simple as replicating simple designs in the blank spaces.  The written instructions require a microscope to read!  Obviously, our student didn't do very well, and upon failing it appears a younger sibling repurposed the pamphlet as a coloring book for watercolors.  Both fail.  A few pages of examples.  

National Union System of Industrial Drawing (5" x 9") 1878 with watercolor embellishments.  Collection Jim Linderman

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