As the sentimental story goes, "Tramp Art" handcrafts were made by down-on-their-luck men who scavenged for the raw materials (fruit crates, wooden cigar boxes) then designed, cut and assembled the pieces, often using simple notch-cut "serrations" to create an elegant (yet folksy) decorative flourish to their creations. Personally, I believe that such chip-carved works were made by a far-broader range of people: weekend hobbyists, shop class students, even cottage industry souvenir producers. Whether these nostalgic stories are true or not, I nevertheless admire and like to collect Tramp Art frames, boxes and sculpture. They have a sophisticated—yet casual—elegance and always radiate the warmth of a painstakingly handcrafted object. This frame, above, would make the perfect home for a woodsy photograph or small watercolor—and would look equally at-home in a Manhattan townhouse or country cabin. Please click on the photo above learn more about it.
Though our Greenwich Village store is now permanently closed, LEO Design is still alive and well! Please visit our on-line store where we continue to sell Handsome Gifts (www.LEOdesignNYC.com).
We also can be found in Pittsburgh's historic "Strip District" at Mahla & Co. Antiques (www.mahlaantiques.com) or in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania at The Antique Center of Strabane (www.antiquecenterofstrabane.com).
Or call to arrange to visit our Pittsburgh showroom (by private appointment only). 917-446-4248