Tramp Art and Folk Art

     The remodel of my dining room and living room began more than two years ago.  With the hanging of a few pieces of artwork in recent weeks, I think I can say I'm finished. 

     This massive chip carved frame, ca. 1900, is over three feet tall and weighs 20 pounds.   I had been saving one wall in my dining room to hang a French chocolate poster, but until I find the right one this frame is perfect in the space.   I found it very reasonably priced in Germany, but then discovered shipping to the US was $600!  Luckily, my daughter's best friend and husband live in Germany at the moment and were able to send it to me via the American post office for $40; quite a difference.   I can easily take out family photos and replace with new ones as the grandchildren get older.

Made of mahogany, the frame border is 9 inches wide.  Each layer of carving builds on the next, making the frame 3 inches deep.

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     This American folk art wall cupboard was found at an auction in Vermont.   I love the hand with the pointed finger.   It nicely displays some of my Erzgebirge soldiers.

I found this matched set of tramp art frames which fit nicely on a short wall in the dining room and another on the opposite wall in the living room.   One-of-a-kind pieces.

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     Perhaps my favorite piece of all, this 1920s poster is always a topic of conversation.   Ironically, the little seal in the bottom center of the sign is a Union seal saying it was union made. 

     This tramp art frame originally had an old mirror in it.   Several years ago I purchased a wonderful piece of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, calligraphy and found it fit perfectly in the frame. 

Done simply in black ink with some artwork in light blue and peach, this work was done in 1847 as perhaps a gift to Patrick Donnelly to celebrate him becoming an attorney registered with the State of Pennsylvania. 

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At the top of the drawing is the seal of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

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     There is intricate 5-inch deep carving at the top of the frame finished off with a tiny heart in each corner.

     This is a mid 1800s oil done of the children of a Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, family by an unknown artist.

                               I can say that I'm finally done redecorating . . . for now.