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When the hair straightener patented by Isaac K. Shero entered the market in 1909, women rejoiced. Before then, the curling iron had been invented around 1872 by Marcel Grateau, and he also laid claim to the straightener in the 1870s. It was, however, “the market” that overlooked the fact that Ada Harris, a schoolteacher in Indianapolis, claimed the patent for the straightener in 1895. By including a comb section with teeth, her invention combed and straightened the hair in one smooth motion.

From Joanne Steinhardt

  1. Remnant of Fragility by Joanne Steinhardt, Image 4.

    Remnant of Fragility

    Textile, embroidery thread, hat stiffener, spray paint, handmade wood hanger

    60 x 140 in (152.4 x 355.6 cm)

    $11,000

  2. Remnant of Connection by Joanne Steinhardt, Image 1.

    Remnant of Connection

    Textile, embroidery thread, hat stiffener, spray paint, handmade wood hanger

    60 x 140 in (152.4 x 355.6 cm)

    $11,000

  3. Remnant of Life by Joanne Steinhardt, Image 1.

    Remnant of Life

    Mixed Media

    6.0 X 30.0 Feet

  4. Remnant of Reach by Joanne Steinhardt, Image 6.

    Remnant of Reach

    Textile, embroidery thread, hat stiffener, spray paint, handmade wood hanger

    60 x 65 in (152.4 x 165.1 cm)

    $6,000

  5. Remnant of Fragility (Maquette) by Joanne Steinhardt, Image 2.

    Remnant of Fragility (Maquette)

    discarded pillow case remnant, cross stitch thread, wire,

    8 x 10 x 1 in (20.32 x 25.4 x 2.54 cm)

    $750

  6. Grace by Joanne Steinhardt, Image 2.

    Grace

    fabric scraps, armature wire, black cord, wooden board, glue

    26 x 21 in (66.04 x 53.34 cm)

    $2,000

  7. Matilda by Joanne Steinhardt, Image 1.

    Matilda

    discarded pillowcases, wooden board, armature wire, black cloth

    32 x 20 in (81.28 x 50.8 cm)

    $2,000

  8. Trotula by Joanne Steinhardt, Image 2.

    Trotula

    fabric scraps, wooden board, glue, armature wire, black cloth

    29 x 16 in (73.66 x 40.64 cm)

    $2,000