Rustic Furniture

Posted By admin on May 18, 2011

The Herald-Dispatch

It’s impossible to say who first made twig furniture in that the natives of several ancient civilizations have left evidence of its use. Whether it was the ancient Chinese or Native Americans, they fashioned what was available in nature into usable household goods. Hence willows growing along the creek and river banks were often made into these types of furnishings. So twig furniture has been around a long time, but it really became popular in America in the 19th century.

The Victorians, with their idealization of everything natural, popularized twig furniture for the consuming public. British and American gardeners began to incorporate this rustic furniture into their landscapes. New York’s Central Park boasts shelters, bridges, arbors and seats built of the infamous twig during the 1800s. The Victorians also touted “twig work” as a winter pass time, so come spring more than one household had a “twig chair.”

In the late 1800s tourism was on the upswing. People tended to go to mountain retreats, particularly the Adirondacks in an effort to dodge the hot weather. They were into the “back to nature” scenario and appreciated the rustic furniture displayed in these holiday lodges. Photography was new, and everyone wanted his or her pictures taken on vacation. Often the rustic twig chair would be part of the backdrop for the picture, so photography helped popularize twig art with the common man.

During the Depression years of the 20th century many Gypsies made some bucks creating twig furniture and many of their designs are still used today. The Depression also encouraged the government to plant large stands of willow in an effort to promote the industry. This was to no avail since the twig furniture lost popularity about the same time. Its recent rebirth in popularity could be attributed to the mindset of many Americans enjoying antiques plus the need of the do-it-yourself crew to create.

Today there are a variety of sites online that will help a person make his or her own twig furniture or just buy it outright — one just needs to tap the search button on a computer to be inundated with that information. While perusing these sites check out the work of noted New York artist Daniel Mack who is recognized for his “twig” creations. His work is thought provoking and attractive and can inspire a person looking to create his or her own twig furnishings.

Jean McClelland writes about antiques for The Herald-Dispatch.

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For more information on Southwest furniture, Southwest rustic furniture, and prices on rustic furniture, please visit our Southwest furniture informational site.

Category: Natural Furnishings, Outdoors Rustic Furniture, Patio Rustic Furniture, Rustic outdoor furniture, Twig furniture, Willow rustic furniture, general furniture, rustic furniture, rustic furnitures
Tags: mexican furniture, Mexican pine furniture, pine furniture, rustic furniture, rustic pine furniture, southwest furniture