Door Knocker c. 1936

This drawing of a door knocker was made by E.N. Dunne, who was born in 1855 and died in 1995. It’s hard to say when exactly it was made, but the object represents an age-old intersection between industry, art, and design. The pencil and watercolor give the object a sense of depth; you can almost feel the weight of the metal. Door knockers like this one are not only functional objects, but also powerful status symbols of wealth, and a clear indicator of belonging and class. Consider how the industrial production of these metal objects would have been an important factor in the urban experience. The loud clanging of these knockers has a social significance too, as a method of communication in a time before doorbells. By drawing attention to the material and the way it was made, Dunne encourages us to think about the broader social and economic context in which the object was created. It also invites us to question the boundaries between fine art and craft.