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the history of the rustic style in early 20th century America Tramp-art.com
the forest as furniture and folk art
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Definition: rustic: A "catch all" category for a variety of different kinds of objects that share a common aesthetic, i.e. made from materials harvested directly from nature with no attempt to hide these natural components. Common materials include tree branches, twigs, roots, burls, bark, pinecones, acorns, seashells, animal horns and antlers. Also, rustic objects can be carved to look like they are made of branches or twigs. Wood carvings of forest animals such as deer, elk or bears might be considered rustic. Synonym: Adirondack, Cowboy |
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The rustic style has been with mankind since our distant ancestors left the trees, or the Garden of Eden, or we started on the journey of becoming human. During the various ages the style never disappeared though the style has a history of falling in and out of favor. The "Rustic Revival" that we are enjoying today has everything to do with the19th and 20th centuries and is an ingredient in the Arts & Crafts Movement. The rustic style was embraced by the19th century "elite," the style makers and trend setters. Today we continue that heritage as "rustic" is a common decorative element in the mix of our 21st century material culture. |
rustic interiors - vintage viewsThe rustic style as illustrated in the following views can compliment a wide variety of decors. These early 20th century rustic interiors can serve as lessons for today's designers. |
 98-186 |
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learn about The Shrine of the Pines & The Legs Inn to see more rustic interiors
rustic architecture - vintage views |
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" 1932 Oregon Woods Camp - Larges log entrance of nature - in the world - taken from a dream - built by Loring A. Wood - alone - 3,200 logs from 464 trees - if interested in nature buy a postal or picture - Southern Ore. - 100 ft. long - 40 ft. high - color lighted From information on postcard |
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"Carved
newel posts, Timberline Lodge - Oregon"
information on postcard
The Timberline Lodge was built (1931 / 1932) during the "Great Depression" by the W.P.A. (Federal Works Projects Admin.) on the sloops of Mt. Hood. |
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19th & 20th century rustic furnishingsIn 1899 the "Old Hickory" furniture company of Martinsville, Indiana was started and has remained in business to this day. The furniture and accessory line of "Old Hickory" is documented in various mail order catalogues published over the years. The success of this "brand name" in rustic furnishings is testimony to market demand. Old Hickory furniture looks like it is straight out of the forest. Over the years, other companies have manufactured similar lines of furniture. Rustic furniture? visit OLD HICKORY thanks for visiting Tramp-art.com Rustic furniture has a rich history that is artisan or craft driven. Rustic furniture, made by hand, from materials foraged from the forest, furniture unique to the artist's concept, is of interest to this discussion. This is the vintage folk art furniture that is becoming increasing scarce. New generations of rustic furniture makers are meeting today's demand by working in craft traditions that span centuries. Meet a contemporary rustic maker |
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"These are the articles we busy
ourselves with to make, we sell to tourists. they are mostly of bamboo
or orange wood."
Inscription on
postcard
Rustic traditions are not just confined to the north woods as seen in this postcard displaying items that might be called tropical rustic. |
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"John S. Haller and
his rustic chair made from wood from Valley Forge" Information
on postcard
An examination of this postcard shows an elaborate rustic chair with a carved bust of George Washington (?) gracing the top rail and a seat back in the form of a flag with a circular field of 13 stars and 13 stripes.
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"This Chair, made by J. K.
Lautzenhiser, of Goshen, Ind., is composed of 100 pieces of wood, all different
kinds, grown in Elkhart County. Will be sent to the Centennial Exhibition."
Information from carte de visite
The Centennial Exhibition was held in Philadelphia in 1876 and we have no knowledge if Lautzenhiser's rustic chair was exhibited. An examination of the photograph shows tags hanging off the various chair elements that likely identify the species of wood used in construction. |
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Collectors of Victorian photographs of portraiture are familiar with studio "shots" and the various studio props that were used. The use a of rustic theme backdrop and the use of a rustic chair, or stand, or gate, or fence, were popular in posing portraits. This vintage "real photo" postcard shows and extraordinary rustic chair. |
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"This chair was
made from the limb of a tree, which was used as a "lookout"
while Washington was encamped at Valley Forge". It was made
by Mrs. Agles Sherwood with a Chisel and a Hammer.
Information on postcard
A carving of a chair that is unusual in that it is the work of a women! This carving could be confused with a contemporary form of lumberjack art called chainsaw carving. |
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A detail of a real photo postcard of a giant rustic chair. From an inscription on the back we learn that "trixie" the dog and "Anthony Kelker, March 1- 1835, November 20-1914," are pictured. |
rustic woodcarvings as folk art |
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"Hand carvings. W. F. Koenig" |
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"Bellamy Moose Head / Owned by Horace Mitchell / Kittery Maine" Inscription on photograph In the late 1800s and early 1900s John Bellamy (1836 - 1914) became known for his carved Eagles, and ship decorations, such as name boards, finials etc. He worked in and around Maine and New Hampshire and his carvings have become highly regarded in American folk art. |
rustic materials - taxidermy and animal parts |
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Abhorrent and politically incorrect to many people, the use of animal horns, antlers, skins, heads, legs and such parts have been popular decorator items over the centuries and used to achieve a rustic look. In this photograph several deer have been recycled into end tables. |
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"Unique chair built of countless horns, took three years to construct and will hold the weight of 20 men. G. w. Freese of Lakeland, Fla. picked up all the cow-horns in the neighborhood and put them to this novel purpose. His little daughter, Francis and her two dolls enjoy its comfortable proportions." Information on newspaper clipping (date & source unknown) |
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vintage postcards and photographs are from the Tramp-art.com Collection |
