Historical information

After his experience in designing moderately priced furniture in the 1930s and managing the construction of aircraft by an inexperienced workforce during World War II, designer Frederick Ward developed Patterncraft paper patterns. They were available by mail order through Australian Home Beautiful from 1947. For those with rudimentary skills Ward developed Timber-pack kits of components ready to glue and assemble. Blueprint, his subsequent project for the mass-market was launched in 1951. At a time of austerity and shortages, Blueprint patters helped Australians furnish their modest homes with modern furniture they had made themselves.

Nanette Carter, 2017

Physical description

Fred Ward, Detail sheet for 'Home Beautiful Blueprint Furniture' No. 6, includes technical drawings and instructions, 1950-1951