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.

The Colored Mechanics Fair