Candace Wheeler

Born in 1827, Candace Wheeler became one of the most influential figures in American decorative arts. She is especially known for her work in textile and interior design and for helping define an American approach to home decoration at a time when the field was still taking shape.

After seeing artistic needlework at the 1876 Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia, she helped found the Society of Decorative Art in New York. She later became a driving force behind Associated Artists, a design firm that brought together artists and makers, and her career is often linked with the growing professional opportunities available to women in design.

Wheeler also wrote about domestic design, including Principles of Home Decoration, sharing practical ideas about taste, comfort, and everyday beauty. She died in 1923, leaving behind a legacy as both a designer and an advocate for women's creative work.