page 5 of 9 The Duluth Living Room
John Bradstreet made many trips to Japan to buy objects to sell in his shop in Minneapolis. Photo: Minneapolis Public Library, Minneapolis Collection What did John Bradstreet know about Japan? John Bradstreet started his career designing and selling furniture in Minneapolis in the 1870s. He chose furniture for people and decorated rooms in their houses. He also decorated spaces in hotels and office buildings. As his popularity grew, he took trips around the world collecting objects to resell in his shop. Japan was one of his favorite places to visit on these buying trips. He loved the traditional Japanese interest in nature. This interest showed in the things they made, often plain wood decorated with plant forms.
page 5 of 9 Designing Spaces and Places | Inner Worlds | Environment | What is Art | Identity