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Curator Pick of the MonthLabel
To start celebrating Drexel University’s 125th anniversary, the Drexel Collection chose the Dragon Bench for the Curator Pick of the Month. This 20th century bench is said to have been designed and made by Drexel University students. Each square reserve on the bench contains a different design displaying the varied characteristics of a dragon’s physical appearance as they change from culture to culture, with some depicted as serpent-like creatures and others with wings and fire, as well as demonstrating the skill of the student artists. The Drexel dragon mascot was first mentioned in a 1928 edition of The Triangle.Label Type
Exhibition LabelLabel
This 20th century bench is said to have been designed and made by Drexel University students. Its elaborate carving of dragons, griffins and other mythological beasts evokes a sense of grandeur often related to the Renaissance Revival style where monumental pieces, rich carvings and architectural details were common. Each square reserve on the bench contains a different design displaying the varied characteristics of a dragon’s physical appearance as they change from culture to culture, with some depicted as serpent-like creatures and others with wings and fire, as well as demonstrating the skill of the student artists.Label Type
Exhibition LabelLabel
Woodworking courses were first offered in 1918 as part of Drexel’s Evening School program, now known as the Goodwin College of Professional Studies. Three sections of the course trained students in different types of carpentry from joint making to patterns through the Swedish method known as “sloyd”, which emphasized woodworking as a helpful addition to any individual’s technical education.Label Type
Exhibition LabelLabel
Donated, and likely made by Drexel students, this bench represents the university’s willingness to foster current design trends. The Arts & Crafts style was very popular because of its emphasis on “honesty” in materials and organic decoration such as stylized foliage.