Union cornice makers in their shop, circa 1920

These men were metal workers who fabricated architectural ornaments. One of their cornices can be seen above them at the far right. Their skills were undermined by machine that made architectural elements and as metal cornice work fell out of fashion. Their organization, like many others, merged with similar trades.

From the Landscape of Lost Arts exhibit.

Sheet Metal Workers Local 137 Collection, Robert F. Wagner Labor Archives, NYU