Many thanks to Simon of Die Hard Props for the link to this resourceful website: SetDecorators.org
I think set decoration is one of those vital contributions to film and television that serves both art and function.
What is a set decorator? This is the definition, per the Set Decorators Society of America (SDSA), also added to the Original Prop Lexicon:
Set Decorators are key members of the design team for film, television and commercials. Once the sets are built and painted, or the location is chosen, the Set Decorator’s job is to fill out the environment by selecting furniture, drapery, lighting fixtures, art and other objects to “dress the set”.
The SDA website is a wealth of information, of interest to original prop collectors. Of particular interest are the archived issues of Set Decor Magazine, available in full, for free, in PDF format: LINK
I would encourage hobbyists to download these high quality magazines covering a variety of films and television programs (including my favorite, The Wire, in the Summer 2006 issue). Hardcopies are also available via subscription.
Clicking around the site you will also find a list of set decorating-related books (LINK), events (LINK), resources (LINK), and more.Of particular interest are some great set photos from the Spotlight page, linked from the very bottom, “Spotlight Archives”. There are some cool photos from Blade Runner to Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
In any event, it is a cool website and resource for fans of popular media.
Jason De Bord