Stanley Barrows (1914-1995) graduated from Parsons School of Design in 1940 and taught interior design there for over twenty years, becoming mentor to several generations of notable designers. The collection includes examples of student work compiled by Barrows, course outlines, class travel itineraries, photographs of Italian decorative styles, biographical material, and correspondence from Barrows related to his work as a designer and teacher.

William Odom (1884?-1942) attended the New York School of Art (later, Parsons School of Design) around 1909. He returned to teach at Parsons for many years, eventually heading the department of Interior Design, and, in 1930, succeeding Frank Alvah Parsons as president of the school. Odom served in this capacity until his death. The collection consists of Odom's research collection of approximately 300 decorative book endpaper samples.