Sunday, January 29, 2012

A Vintage Paper Exhibit to Treasure

Recently I checked in at the MSU Museum and was pleased to find this exhibit of pressed and embossed paper art was still in place.

These pieces were often given at Christmas, such as calendars and holiday items, like advent calendars, creches and Santa figures.

I'll save the Christmas pieces for next December, but I thought I'd share a few of the calendars and other pieces that were in the exhibit.

By 1910, Germany, which was at the center of the printing industry, had developed a process of embossing layers of heavy papers to produce colorful wall decorations.

I loved the combination wall-pockets/calendars.

Many of these were produced for companies around the United States. I was particularly fond of these birds, a detail from one of the calendars above. They're so cheery!

And the detail on the love birds is outstanding. (Even if my photo is a bit fuzzier than I wish!)

These puppies were just my cup of tea!

And all holidays came into play -- these patriotic calendars might well look perfect on July 4!

Here's another.

Of course, when it comes to pocket wall calendars such as these, I must say one of my favorites of all time is in my own collection.

My friend Jerry in Paris found this at a flea market. The embossing on the leaves climbing the trellis is deep and the die cuts are clean. It's one of my favorite treasures.

Curator Val Berryman is quite the Santa/Christmas man with an enormous personal collection, which includes these pieces. WKAR Radio did an interesting interview with him at the holidays. It's a couple of minutes long -- if you care to listen, you'll find it HERE! He's an interesting fellow and yes, the resemblance to one Mr. Claus is striking!

12 comments:

Sally Wessely said...

These are just wonderful. Can you imagine finding such treasures today? We certainly have lost a great art. I love the embossed and pressed paper you found. Thanks for sharing.

Deb said...

They are beautiful works of art.

Linda Jo said...

These are wonderful! I love the wall pocket calendars!!! You are lucky to have one.

Dr. Kathy McCoy said...

These are just exquisite, Jeanie! Each one is a treasure. Thanks so much for sharing them!

Tracy said...

WOW, Jeanie! What a treat to see all this lovely vintage ephemera! Really love that one at the top with the doves. :o) Happy Week ((HUGS))

Joanne Huffman said...

A delightful collection. And, how cool that yu have one.

Mae Travels said...

I wonder why they went out of favor. People still use calendars, don't they?

Icy BC said...

These are quite fancy and beautiful! What a treat to see!

Lisa from Lisa's Yarns said...

Those are all so exquisite and beautiful! Thanks for sharing!

Marilyn Miller said...

Love seeing the vintage papers. What treasures!

shoreacres said...

I had many of these embossed postcards, and gave them to my aunt because they were family items. Now, I wish I had some of them back - but poof! they're gone forever.

I do love the embossed pieces - they're my favorites from that era. That's a splendid selection - how good to know that some of the best are being preserved.

~*~Patty S said...

Wonderfully charming calendar decos...a very fine selection!
oxo

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