The Colored Mechanics Fair
A Fair Held in 1851 Philadelphia to Highlight Black Artisens and Inventors
The Colored Mechanics Fair
April 5-21, 1851 at the Philadelphia Institute, 717 Lombard Street, Philadelphia, PA
In 1851, A Black organization called "The Coloured American Institute In the State of Pennsylvania for the Promotion of Mechanic Arts and Sciences" held an exhibition to highlight the creativity and innovation of Black artisens, designers and inventors.
It was called "The Colored Mechanics Fair".
This was both a technical/scientific exhibition and an arts exhibition. The word 'mechanic' today means someone who works on vehicles. But in 1851 the meaning of the word was different and included anyone who built objects with their hands.
While we don't have the names and entries of everyone who participated in the fair, which was judged, we do have the name of the winners thanks to a write up in the Friends Journal.
The variety of arts, crafts and technical innovation was ✨Astonishing✨
We invite you to travel back in time with us as we visit some of the winners of The Colored Mechanics Fair.
Amelia Lewis: Hairdressing Innovation
Hand Made Stone Ware
Here's a sample of Delaware stoneware from the 19th Century.
Abraham Boyer: Stoneware Artistry
Hand Made Wax Fruit
Here's an example of 19th Century Wax Fruit. This AI generated picture doesn't have the glass covers, but most likely there would have been glass covers over the fruit.
Courtesy Pennsylvania Museum of Art, https://philamuseum.org/collection/object/167618
Courtesy Pennsylvania Museum of Art, https://philamuseum.org/collection/object/167618
Jane Vasham: Wax Fruit Artistry
Hart & Bevans: Manufacturing Innovation
Ellen Seth: Fashion Innovation
Johnathan Cole: Fine Crafts Artistry
H.A. Roberts: Fashion Innovation
J.J.G. Bias: Medical Innovation
Daguerreotypes
Occasionally, daguerreotypes would be hand-painted with color.
Unidentified artist, “Untitled (brooch, man with goatee),” albumen print in metalsetting. Smithsonian American Art Museum.Credit...Smithsonian American Art Museum
Unidentified artist, “Untitled (brooch, man with goatee),” albumen print in metalsetting. Smithsonian American Art Museum.Credit...Smithsonian American Art Museum
J.W. Johnson: Technical Design Innovation
Charles Booker: Mechanical and Construction Innovation
Robert Turner: Fine Woodworking Artistry
Artistic Mastery
David Bustill Bowser was an incredibly popular 19th Century Artist. He is known for his neo-classical style with patriotic themes. His fireman hats and Colored Troop Flags display this style.
David Bustill Bowser: Artistic Innovation
Dental Innovation
Dr. John Rock was originally from Salem, New Jersey. He was a Dentist, a Lawyer and an Abolitionist. At this fair he displayed artificial teeth he manufactured. They may have looked something like these dentures from the 19th Century.
John Rock: Dental Innovation
Aaron Roberts: Leading Scientific and Technical Innovation
Aaron Roberts' Fire Extinguishing invention was recognized throughout the country.
The Franklin Institute's Committee on Science and the Arts said "The whole arrangement displays ingenuity" and it would "supersede the necessity of carrying the hose up on the ladder."
However, it appears that he did not receive additional support from the white community.
The Black community rallied around him, spreading news of his invention throughout the country. The Banneker Institute started a committee specifically to raise the profile of his inventions and to raise funds for him.
Thanks for Visiting The Colored Mechanics Fair
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