Jane Campbell Bannerman studied graphic design and illustration at the New York School of Fine and Applied Art (now Parsons School of Design), graduating in 1930. She worked for several firms as a graphic and interior designer, and later opened her own interior design business. The collection mainly consists of student work, commercial design work, and travel watercolors, as well as clippings, photographs, and printed items.

Lyman Martin (1908-2003) graduated from Parsons School of Design in 1939 and joined Thedlow, an interior decoration firm. At Thedlow, Martin created interiors and watercolor renderings, and designed rugs and murals. In 1969, Martin became president of Thedlow, remaining until its closure in 1979. The collection includes student work, interior drawings, a travel diary, floorplans, photographs, clippings, and exhibition files.