ART ALUMINUM... WENDELL AUGUST FORGE... A SAD DAY

                   Ask me about decorative hammered aluminum, about my collection of vintage and now possibly historical art created in the forges of Pennsylvania and New York, and you may wind up with a headache by the time I am finished. For the past 20 years it has been one of my favorite topics and sadly today it is again something for me to bring into focus. Through several emails, from several different sources, all considered friends I have learned that the Wendell August Forge in Grove City Pennsylvania has burned down.
Doctor Thomas Armour, who's father briefly worked for the forge and then created one of the most prestigious forges in the area, sent me these pictures. As you can see, there was not much left of the building. I understand that everyone got out in time and this could have been a much larger tragedy than it was, still I feel for the owners and people who made their living through this place.  I am also very sad realizing that many of the vintage pieces that they had on display may be lost forever. The forge had been in business since 1923, with most of collectible aluminum today being made between 1937 and 1941.
Some of what I will say here is redundant. I have written about this being a primarily American art form, and the actual short amount of time in which the true hand hammered art pieces were created. I have written about the amazing craftsmanship, and how lucky I have always felt to have been able to put together a collection. It is clear from Tom's amazing pictures that the fire fighters were kind souls who made some effort to salvage what they could. To learn more about the Wendell August Forge and its history I would suggest that you read Wendell August Forge, Seventy Five Years of Artistry in Metal by Bonita Campbell. It is an excellent reference and contains some wonderful pictures.
                  Some of the Wendell August pieces that I like to feature in my home 
are the vases that flank the fireplace mantle, 
this art deco inspired dish with lid, 
the huge galleried tray and punch bowl on this table, This wonderful set made with La Mirada pottery, and this tray with a cactus motif. These are just a few of the Wendell August items that grace the rooms of my house.
The collection started a little more than 20 years ago with this wastebasket. A yardsale find that began a search for not only more things to add to the collection, but the information of where it was made, who made it and what it's history was. I was lucky enough to find an aluminum show in Allentown Pennsylvania to learn about the hand hammered aluminum as well as the machine made aluminum that came after the war. I was also lucky enough to meet many aluminum collectors who have since become friends. The Mary Englebreit Home Companion Magazine once asked me to help them with an article they published about collecting decorative aluminum in 1998. I remember the writer called me and asked if I would mind telling her what I knew about the aluminum...after laughing for a few minutes, I asked her how much time she really had...ask me to talk about hammered aluminum? I could go on for ever...I hope that out of the ashes the Phoenix will rise again and Wendell August Forge will once again be in production. The building was once a tourist destination, a unique spot on the National Register of Historic Places. I am sure that I will write more about my collection and about collecting...I hope that one day I will tell you that they have saved much and are rebuilding...stay tuned!
            This post is being linked to Susan's Metamorphosis Monday at her blog Between Naps on the Porch,
  more as a reverse metamorphosis. It is also being linked to Smiling Sally's Blue Monday not only for the blue La Mirada pottery that the forge used, but because the fire left me feeling blue. 
♥, Susan
 
 
 
     


 

Comments

[Diann @ The Thrifty Groove]

How sad that this wonderful place is now gone.

[Nancy]

Wow! I lived in Allentown for 8 years and then moved to Florida where I found several pieces of hammered aluminum at garage and estate sales. I never knew there was so much history close by.

[Julia @ Hooked on Houses]

Oh, no! How sad. I'm so sorry to hear about this. These examples of hammered aluminum are gorgeous. That has to be the prettiest wastebasket I've ever seen!

[Becky K.]

It was so very sad to see this on the news this morning. I am glad you have all of these beautiful pieces. My friend has many, many as well. I'll have to see if she has heard the sad news.

Becky K.

[bj]

O my...I am so sorry about the fire and loss of many vintage items...but so thankful everyone escaped in time.
Thanks for showing us these beautiful pieces.

[susan ericson]

Becky, If your friend is a collector, I might actually know her!
♥, Susan

[Kat]

Your collection of hammered aluminum is beautiful and what a shame that such an iconic factory was destroyed by fire. It was good to see that some of the pieces were recovered and hopefully they can rebuild.

Kat

[Sally]

I am so sorry for this tragic loss, but your extensive collection must cause you to smile. Happy Blue Monday.

[Sherry]

How sad about the fire, but I'm so thankful that no lives were lost.

Sherry @ A Happy Valentine

[Denise West]

gorgeous pieces. life is a mystery at times and makes me ponder that we are not home yet.

[Debbie]

How sad about that fire destroying history!
Debbie

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[denise]

Following you from Beneath Naps On The Porch. I am so sorry to hear about the fire, yet glad everyone made it out.
It is disappointing that anything would be lost in such a tragic event.
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[John]

Those are nice

[chubskulit]

Gorgeous!
Building Memories Together for Blue Monday.

[Kathy]

Oh wow! I'm glad everyone got out in time!! Happy Blue Monday :)

[Jenna Ericson]

That's really, really sad, Mom. I'm sorry.

[Deb]

So glad to have found your blog thru alumilist. Thank you for your wonderful notes on WA. I've been a casual collector for only a few years (10) and while I'm fairly sure i've never been lucky enough to fine any WA, I do have a piece with dogwood blossoms that I'm *real* glad I didn't sell, as it might be.

There's such beauty in hammered and decorative and functional aluminum. Glad to have found your blog containing some comments about the artform, because I do miss talking about it.

[susan ericson]

I am glad that you found my blog too! If you read back over the years, you will find several different posts about the aluminum.
♥, Susan

[Pat]

What a terrible disaster Susan! I am so glad no one was injured but to hear that the whole factory was destroyed, along with many of the art pieces, is very sad! I do hope they will recover and re-build. Fine hand worked craftsmanship is a fast disappearing trade in this country.
I am not a collector, but I never tire of looking at your beautiful hammered aluminum pieces. The ones you showed today are so unique!
♥ Pat

[[email protected]]

What a loss! But I am thankful that you and many others have such beautiful pieces to perserve these treasures.
Yvonne

[Allison]

That's terrible. I'm glad no one was injured. You have a very nice collection I know you will treasure.
Allison

[ellen b]

Oh my that work is so beautiful. That is very sad that pieces were lost in the fire. Yikes...
You really have a lovely collection.

[rochambeau]

What heartbreaking news Susan, an American landmark, gone ;-(....... Just like that~
Glad you have a collection and good memories.

Thinking of you!
xox
Constance

[Joy]

Sorry to hear about the fire. Your hammered aluminum collection is beautiful.

[beansieleigh]

I am so sorry to hear about this terrible fire, and hope the owners can rebuild too! Meanwhile I do look forward to hearing more about your own collection! The pieces you show today are beautiful! ~tina

[Myrna]

Tragic loss of art, I'm glad no one was hurt .Your pieces are wonderful!
Blessings,
~Myrna

[Jane F @ Atticmag]

How awful to lose such a resource. I'm sorry for you as a collector and for us all. -- Jane F.

[jenny]

so ironic that you did a post on your aluminum not so long ago...

[barbara]

Susan - I thought of you when I was talking to my mom last night and she was telling me about the fire. My parents live 20-30 minutes away from Grove City, so it's big news there. She says the town is practically in mourning, which certainly is understandable. Hoping they'll be able to pick up the pieces and move forward.

[Merrie]

How sorry I am for you! But how fortunate that you have such a wealth of knowlege about the subject. I do hope you are able to complile everything that you know, now that this piece of history has been destroyed.

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[Charlene Buckley]

I was devastated to hear about the fire; what a loss! I've been collecting hammered aluminum for several decades and have decided to downsize my collection. Wendell August Forge has always been my favorite; in my opinion many of their pieces are works of art.

[susan ericson]

Hi Charlene, It is always nice to meet a fellow collector. I would love to hear more about your collection, how you display it, etc. I am looking for some Arthur Armour trays, if you are considering parting with any.
Best Regards, Susan

[Vanna Domenic]

Hello Susan,
We met in 1998 at the aluminum show in Allentown, Pa. I am still collecting aluminum also, and have lost touch with Bill and that list. Interested in knowing if you can help put me back in touch, and if there are National Hammered Aluminum shows anymore. The one I attended was the 8th annual. Nice to find your website!
Vanna in Cincinnati

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[Jim Timkey]

I have some Wendell August pieces that I am going to sell soon. Do you have a good website that I can go to for estimated values?

[susan ericson]

Hi Jim, Going through ebays sold items can give you a good idea as to what people are paying for the Wendell August items. Are you planning to auction or sell out right?
Regards, Susan

[Gary W. Arp]

Hi,
I just recently purchased a Wendell August
Wastebasket at an estate sale, but mine is
copper or bronze (not use?). It has, what looks like, pussy willow branches on it. On the bottom is the Wendell August Forge stamp and the number 800. Do you have any idea on the History of this item. All I can find is info about the aluminum basket.
thanks

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[Louise]

Hi Susan -

I have the same Blue La Mirada Pottery Set (#24) with tray set that you show in your pictures. Although I adore the set I must sell it. Are some pieces more valued than others or should I just go to ebay? If you know someone who may be interestered in this set please let me know. It is a wonderful piece of history and thank you for sharing your knowledge, memories and admiration of these items!