On December 10, Alex Cooper is hosting a Gallery Auction featuring 435 lots of paintings, furniture, decorative arts and fine rugs. Highlighted in this sale is a collection of Tramp art, which is a type of woodworking that started in America in the mid to late 1800s. Tramp art is characterized by found or recycled wood pieces that are intricately carved into layered and geometric designs. It proliferated during the Great Depression and was often made out of discarded cigar boxes carved with pen knives. These artistic masterpieces were believed to have been made by "tramps" or transient people who would make these on the road and sell them, but often were made by local artisans with a high level of craftsmanship.
Here are some examples of Tramp art that are headed to auction this weekend:
An exquisite, and useful, piece of Tramp art is this notch carved standing floor lamp. It is enhanced by an embroidered shade and makes a beautiful statement piece in a living room or bedroom.
Even more intricate is this notch carved tabletop display cabinet with a drawer, open cabinet with glass window and crucifix on both sides.
The crucifix is also the subject in this Tramp art freestanding cross, made in an interlocking wood design without glue or nails.
In addition to the Tramp art featured, there is also a wide selection of other outsider and folk art. An example is this Coke Bottle lithograph by Howard Finster. Finster (1916-2001) was a pastor turned artist who built a Plant Farm Museum in Georgia where he created both sacred and pop culture-inspired art. Later he designed albums for rock n' roll bands R.E.M. and the Talking Heads.
Paul Darmafall, known as the "Baltimore Glassman," started creating glass art in the 1970s inspired by the country's bicentennial. His patriotic theme is represented here with Paul Revere depicted in mixed media mosaic on board. Revere was the American silversmith who rode through the night during the Revolutionary War to alert the colonial troops of the approach of British forces.
Another fascinating work of folk art is this memory jar and memory box, assembled out of gems, coins, Victorian cameos, shells, buttons and more.
Discover the full catalog of Alex Cooper's upcoming sale on December 10 at 10 AM EST on Barnebys.
