About the Artist
B.F. Olsen was an early twentieth-century inventor and draftsman whose name appears on a 1921 patent for a tea or coffee pot. His work reflects the practical graphic culture of industrial America, where precise technical drawings were essential for transforming inventive ideas into manufacturable products. This patent illustration embodies the intersection of engineering and daily life, resonating with those interested in the history of functional design.
For admirers of archival wall art, this piece offers a glimpse into an era when even everyday household objects were documented with meticulous care, highlighting the value placed on innovation in domestic routines.
The Artwork
Created in 1921, this patent illustration captures a moment when American households were rapidly modernizing, and inventions aimed to improve daily efficiency and comfort. The drawing was produced to legally define and protect Olsen's design, providing a clear visual explanation of how the tea or coffee pot functioned. Such patent documents were crucial in an age of expanding mass production and consumer choice.
Beyond its legal purpose, the artwork now serves as a testament to ingenuity and the evolving rituals of home life, making it a meaningful vintage print for those interested in the narrative of domestic innovation.
Style & Characteristics
This classic patent print features crisp black linework on a warm off-white background, arranged in a precise, diagrammatic layout. Multiple sectional views of the pot are presented for clarity, each labeled with figure references that guide the viewer through the object's components.
The overall mood is analytical and quietly nostalgic, reminiscent of an engineer's notebook. If you appreciate technical wall art, you may also enjoy exploring our science posters collection.
In Interior Design
This patent print fits seamlessly into kitchens, breakfast nooks, or dining spaces, especially when paired with wood, stone, or matte metal finishes. Its understated palette complements Scandinavian, industrial, or modern rustic interiors, adding subtle detail without overwhelming the space.
For a harmonious display, consider pairing it with typographic menus or utensil studies from our kitchen wall art selection, and complete the look with a simple mat and slim frame from our frames collection.
