Historical Society of Early American Decoration

Theorem Patterns Catalog
Patterns eligible for awards are listed below. 

The catalog illustrates the over 150 authentic theorem patterns available from HSEAD.  For each one, you get a color photo of the finished theorem, as well as a full size black and white numbered pattern.  They are individually priced - please see the descriptions in the catalog and order by number.  Order by mail or by phone (credit card) from the HSEAD office, address at the HSEAD Store.  

(New (2009) patterns have now been added to the catalog.) 

INFORMATION FOR MEMBERS - CHANGES IN THEOREM REQUIREMENTS

Added 5/19/2011: Effective Spring 2012 the following changes have been revised for Theorem Judging Standards.
 
1. The Theorem Judging and Standards committee has revisited recording a theorem from an original- Effective Spring 2012 the following changes will be in place;    to eliminate disqualifying a piece recorded from an original, a photograph of the original theorem MUST accompany the piece being submitted for Judging.  NOT a copy of someone's "A" award that was recorded from a previous original. 
 
Please attach the photo to the back of the theorem with history of the piece if possible... If you need advice on it  being acceptable for Judging, please contact the Chairman of Judging.
 
2. Framing changes, for both Oil and Water color theorems; 
 
 Effective Spring 2012 the following changes in FRAMING  have been revised for Theorem Judging Standards.
The committee has revisited the framing  which is so important to the completion of the theorem.
BOTH oil and water color theorems "anchored" by a basket, marble base, table line, compote or the like, should have the following parameters:
from the furthest points on the visible image; the TOP---2 inches--The SIDES-- 1 1/2 inches--The BOTTOM --1 inch.. This measurement is "up to the frame"  but   NOT including the portion under the rabbet. The framing parameters for "FLOATERS" was also revised. The following measurements of 1 1/2 inches from the furthest point on each side of the image and top and bottom, will be the Standard,. And this again does not include the portion under the rabbet.

The following numbers of patterns are acceptable for judging and member awards in the oil-paint category.  They are marked with a J in the catalog notes. 

22, 24, 27, 28, 29, 30, 42, 46, 50, 62, 69, 77, 84, 86, 92, 95, 99, 101, 104, 119 & 120 (pair), 122, 129 & 130 (pair), 134, 136, 138, 142, 143, 144, 145, 147, 148, 152, 155, 159.  (Note that #33 has been deleted. 

In addition, designs illustrated in The Art of Theorem Painting  by Linda Carter Lefko and Barbara Knickerbocker, 1994, pages 61, 74, 118 and 119, are eligible for judging.  These designs MUST be accurately enlarged. 

Added 7/01/2008: The theorem category has been extended to include watercolor theorems - proposed requirements appear here and will also appear in the Newsletter.  The following numbers are acceptable for judging and member awards in the watercolor category (only):

6, 17, 25, 35,  48, 61, 64, 65, 72, 118, 128, 132, 137, 160, 161, 162, 163. 

Added 1/23/2011: The latest additions (Jan. 2009) are included in this list (in bold print).

Added 5/09/2009:  Water color theorems #38, 96 and 109 cannot be submitted for an award, effective immediately. These are patterns for which the Guild has as pre-cut stencils and therefore are no longer acceptable for judging, since members need to cut their own stencils for acceptance of an award.  NEW for submission in 2010 are water color theorems #17, #61 and #118.

Added 10/24/2009:  Effective today, watercolor theorems that have a basket, table line or marble base need to be framed  to the bottom of the frame, with  2 inches on each side and 2 l/2 inches at the top.

Please note the following changes on the Theorems page in your Standards Manual:  Design counts 10%, Cutting 25%, Stenciling and overall feeling 50%, mounting 5%, framing 10%.  You can submit two theorems per meeting in each category, effective the Spring meeting in 2009.  If you use a design from the catalog, please write the design number on the judging card. 

Please read your Standards Manual when doing a theorem, and be sure all requirements are followed.  Framing MUST be done by the exhibitor and NOT professionally framed. 

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