The collection of stencils was designed by August Frederick Biehle, Sr. (1856-1918). After emigrating from Germany, Biehl settled in Cleveland where he worked as a designer and painter for the Cooks Brothers Company. He later founded his own firm and contracted work with the firm of Louis Rohreimer (later Rorimer and Brooks). His work as a designer was well known and could be found in the mansions of many prominent Clevelanders, churches, and public buildings in northeastern Ohio. Of his five children August F. Biehle, Jr. (1885-1979) achieved distinction as an artist in his own right. This collection was chiefly acquired through gift or purchase from Frederick A. Biehle and his wife.
