Coming Soon to MAACM - Dignity and Grace: These Humbler Metals

The Museum of the American Arts and Crafts Movement is proud to present an outstanding collection of important and original metalworks from the Two Red Roses Foundation. The collection of copper items is recognized as one of the most extensive and complete in the world and it inspired the comprehensive catalog These Humbler Metals, American Arts & Crafts Metalwork from the Two Red Roses Foundation available in the Museum Store. Meticulously curated by Rudy Ciccarello, the exhibition features more than 330 objects created by the most renowned and gifted artisans and enterprises from the period.

Stunning examples from artists including Frank Lloyd Wright, Greene and Greene, Tiffany, Marie Zimmermann, Elizabeth Copeland, Gustav Stickley, Stickley Brothers, Robert Jarvie, The Roycroft Shops, Karl Kipp, Jessie Preston, Dirk Van Erp and the Boston Society of Arts and Crafts are featured. These artisans and other metalsmiths from the period rejected the highly decorated, overly ornate, and polished decorative household items of the preceding Victorian era in favor of original, simple designs with clean lines, subtle coloring, and matte surfaces using copper or bronze. The warm color pallet of copper wares complemented the oak furniture and other autumn colors of typical Arts and Crafts era interiors. We hope this up close and personal experience deepens your curiosity and appreciation for the Arts and Crafts Movement.

Gustav Stickley Copper Humidors

One of the most common items found in a gentleman’s home in the early 20th century was the humidor as smoking cigars was a popular male leisure activity of the time. Humidors, used to store cigars or tobacco products, have been around for centuries and gained popularity in the early 20th century. The very rare Humidor #342, our most recent acquisition, features a simplified design with a robust form and exposed hardware, which serves as minimal ornamentation and decorative motif. Gustav Stickley established a metalwork department in his Craftsman Workshop where he produced hardware for furniture as well as decorative metalwork objects for the home. Although normally made out of wood or cedar, copper became the material of choice for humidors as it does not add or take away the moisture. The three humidors shown above will be displayed in the upcoming exhibit with many other humidors by the Tiffany Studios, Roycroft Shop, Karl Kipp, Heinrichs and others.