The Art of Tin

Heavy Sleeper

2008-07-24T09:57:00.003-04:00

Metal Artist and Designer Tanya Kocinski calls this Heavy Sleeper and you can find this and more on her website.

Absinthe, I grow fonder....

2008-06-30T11:39:00.005-04:00

The Virtual Absinthe Museum is an interesting place indeed, offering history, literature, art and antiques all about - you guessed it - Absinthe.

From sugar shakers and spoons to herbs, ingredients and recipes, you'll find it here. A special treat for art lovers is the homage to Picasso, Absinthiana II - The Genesis of Picasso's Verre d'absinthe?...

however I am fondest of the Absinthe Chromolithographs on Tin.

Another Jackson Pollock Range Hood

2008-06-30T11:29:00.007-04:00

Metallo Arts has been releasing some pretty cool vidz this season (they have their own channel on YouTube) but I'm not sure if Another Jackson Pollock Range Hood is my favourite because I like to see how Plummer makes his pieces, or if it's the awsome music chosen for the video...

1001 Uses for a Tin Can

2008-06-30T11:24:00.004-04:00

Artist Bobby Hansson has worked in photography and in television, but today, he works exclusively in the tin can medium. Hansson creates music and art from tin cans and even wrote a book about it. Independent producers Ann Heppermann and Kara Oehler speak with Hansson from his farm in Rising Sun, Md., about the allure of tin cans his life as an artist. Listen to Bobby's story...

Cans - A Visual History

2008-06-06T12:16:00.006-04:00

The Impact of the Can on Culture and Economics for more than 200 Years

THE HISTORY OF THE CAN IS LITERALLY A HISTORY of western civilization, and its innovation an engine of prosperity in the United States. Two centuries ago, the first cans were designed to sustain world powers in their quests around the globe. In boomtown America, the can was key to big business and broader frontiers. Today, can making is a major economic force; the more than 130 billion cans Americans use each year have created an eight billion dollar industry, with 200 manufacturing plants in 38 states, that employ more than 35 thousand employees... Read more.

TIN TABERNACLES AND OTHER BUILDINGS

2008-06-06T12:03:00.004-04:00

I've been fortunate enough to stumble upon a terrific article called Tin Tabernacles and Other Buildings nestled everso gently in another blog, and the photographs were just so stunning I had to mention it here.

Christian Fellowship Chapel, Woodmancote, Gloucestershire

Photography and Introduction by ALASDAIR OGILVIE

Lantern

2008-04-21T16:20:00.003-04:00

This gorgeous tin lantern can be found for purchase here from Carl Giordano TinSmith. His work is quite detailed, and he seems well-versed in the periods he aims for. The site lists all kinds of lighting, including lanterns, candellabras and chandeliers - Worth checking out!

Giraffe!

2008-03-25T16:22:00.002-04:00

This excellent hand made tin giraffe is for sale at Send Africa

Wow, this is p-r-e-t-t-y.....

2008-03-14T14:09:00.005-04:00

Tin Earthenware Glazed Dish
Winterthur, Switzerland, AD 1681

From the British Museum online comes this gorgeous find, a tin earthenware glazed dish - I had no idea tin anything was applied to ceramics of any kind, so this just knocked me out! Isn't it pretty? This is how it's done, accroding to the article:

A glaze containing tin oxide is applied to dark-coloured earthenware bodies to produce an opaque white surface, in imitation of porcelain. The glaze can subsequently be decorated with metal oxide pigments. In Europe this technique had originated in Islamic Spain; it had spread to Italy by the fifteenth century and throughout the northern countries by the late sixteenth century. It is known variously as maiolica, faience or Delftware according to the country of origin.

Historical Pierced Tin Plates

2008-03-13T16:04:00.003-04:00

The Mercer Museum offers pierced tin plates for purchase.

Years ago, we were invited to closely study the extensive pierced metal collection at this unique museum that contained the life-long collections of Henry Chapman Mercer, renowned inventor and ceramist. We were requested to adapt some of the most noteworthy designs. We now offer these very special designs in pierced tin to grace your own home.

The Use and Care of Tinned Metals

2008-03-10T10:59:00.002-04:00

Tripped across a handy little article today on the use and care of tinned metals, covering everything from cookware to cutters, and when to (and not to) re-tin, below...

When Not to Re-Tin

In the case of copper, the tin prevents reaction with acidic foods. If you're not cooking acidic foods, then it's not necessary to have a tin lining. Also, if the copper pot is going to be subjected to very high temperatures, such as for making hard candy, the copper needs to be bare in order to support the high temperatures. And bare copper is desirable in making meringues, because of its reaction to egg whites, which makes them peak faster and longer.

In the case of steel, the tin coating basically prevents rusting and reaction with acidic foods. If you are using the pan for baking and you keep it dry and well oiled when in storage, re-tinning, though desirable, is not necessary. Any bit of rust can be scoured off.

In the case of antiques, we don't recommend retinning, as doing so is likely to diminish the item's value as an antique. If you plan to use it, however, and it is in good condition, then retinning may prove worthwhile.

Victorian Tin Types

2008-03-07T15:09:00.007-05:00

Poking about, I came across an interesting thing called Victorian Tin Types and, having no idea what they were, I decided to poke about some more...

I found a brief history of tin types at Grand Memories: A tintype is a photograph made on a sheet of iron (not really tin) instead of on paper. In 1856 Hamilton Smith patented the process for producing tintypes. Most tintypes were sepia colored (light brown). The most common size was about 2 ½ " x 3 ½", although they were made much smaller for lockets and as large as 5x7. Tintypes were popular from1856 until the late nineteenth century when cheaper paper methods and better photographic equipment caused them to disappear as "old technology."

lovely tin type online

New Uses for Tin Ceiling Tiles

2008-03-07T13:56:00.001-05:00

I tripped across quite a nice post in a blog from DYI Maven, New Uses for Tin Ceiling Tiles. There are several photos but this is the one that grabbed my attention for its truly creative and inspired use and design. What do you think?

The Women of Tin Pan Alley

2008-03-07T10:44:00.003-05:00

I know that technically it's not tin, but it is the culture and a terrific program: A mention to PBS and The Women of Tin Pan Alley goes here...

"Dorothy Fields was born and raised in New York, and began her career as a lyricist there. In a career that spanned five decades, she collaborated with some of the greats of the industry. With Jimmy McHugh she wrote "I Can’t Give You Anything But Love" and the anti-Depression classic "On the Sunny Side of the Street," and with composer Jerome Kern she wrote the classic score for the film SWING TIME, which included "A Fine Romance" and "The Way You Look Tonight" (the song earned them both an Academy Award). Upbeat and witty, lyrics like those written with Cy Coleman for "Big Spender" and "If My Friends Could See Me Now" became instant classics."

Tin Ceiling Restoration

2008-03-06T09:08:00.000-05:00

Restoration

Tin ceilings were built to last, and in the absence of prolonged moisture damage leading to corrosion, they usually did; however, the wear and tear over the hundred years since the heyday of tin has led to a burgeoning restoration industry. Environmental hazards from the lead paint used on turn of the century tin ceilings means that this is a job for experts in the field.

Often restoration is achieved by simply stripping old paint, treating the metal with a protective base coat, patching minor damaged areas, and repainting. In some cases, where small sections of a ceiling have been damaged, partial restoration is needed. If a ceiling requires replacement panels, they can be easily installed if currently manufactured. If, however, a ceiling requires a historic pattern that is no longer in production, good quality panels from the existing ceiling may be used to create a mold and new customized tin can be pressed.

If full restoration is needed, meaning no part of the existing ceiling remains structurally sound, a professional can help design a new ceiling appropriate for the period and structure using existing molds or creating reproductions based on photographic evidence or architectural drawings.

Harvest Moon

2008-03-05T15:01:00.000-05:00

Isn't this just the coolest tin sign?

Tin Elephant!

2008-03-05T14:53:00.000-05:00

This hand-painted tin elephant was made in Zimbabwe from recycled tin cans and scrap metal, and is available for purchase
The Art Institute of Chicago Museum Store

Some Vintage Tin Signs...

2008-03-05T14:40:00.003-05:00

This pressed tin sign is perfect for adding a touch of French decor.

Cracker Jack With Peanuts Rustic Antiqued Look Tin Sign

Let's all go to the lobby, let's all go to the lobby...

Ain't it da truth?

Tin Victorian Heart...

2008-03-05T14:29:00.002-05:00

Tin victorian style 3-d heart, painted black with red & gold. About 5". can be hung on tree or wall. Write your names or saying on the banner.

Botticelli-Inspired Rangehood

2008-03-05T13:59:00.000-05:00

Birth of Fortuna by Metallo Arts

» Frame Style: Botticelli (of course)
» Dimensions: 18″ (h) x 36″ (w)
» Pattern: Hammered background, stamped metal appliqué
» Lip Treatment: Athena» Metalwork: Josh Elmer

For our take on Botticelli’s classical masterpiece, we’ve shifted the referents to reflect a changed era. Gone are the personified zephyrs of the wind and the welcoming seasonal goddess, replaced with architectural motifs reflecting wind and fruitful land. The goddess who floats to shore on the sexualized scallop shell is now Fortuna, the goddess responsible for luck, wealth. good taste, and fortune. Colors were added with our signature finish technique, selected for their thematic unity as well as their place in an artistic kitchen design.

Walls & Ceilings Magazine

2008-03-05T13:37:00.001-05:00

I'm thumbing through the February issue of Walls & Ceilings magazine and I see the article Tin's New Look by Mark L. Johnson. I'm glancing through it when the coolest quote jumps out at me -

Sheldon Gruber is president of Aa-Abbingdon Affiliates Inc., Brooklyn, N.Y. He is third generation in the tin ceilings business, and his company offers 42 ceiling patterns and 18 molding patterns in its Prestplate Metal Ceilings line. Two years ago, the company launched something new: hand-painted tin panels. “The quality is extremely high,” said Gruber, who added that his finishes are not powder coated or “faux,” but realistic renditions created by artists. “We should have the artist sign each panel–they’re that special,” he said. At $95 a 2 x 4-foot sheet, the price seems high, but Gruber said the hand-painted line is drawing a lot of customer attention.

Wow, I guess until recently I never thought of painters as artists unless they were painting on a traditional canvas, ya know? I agree, Mr. Gruber, and it's good to see you say it in print where we can all be reminded.

A Brief History of Tin Ceilings

2008-02-06T16:39:00.000-05:00

Historically, tin ceilings were introduced to North America as an affordable alternative to the exquisite plasterwork used in European homes.

They gained popularity in the late 1800's as Americans sought sophisticated interior design. Durable, lightweight and fireproof, tin ceilings were appealing to home and business owners alike as a functionally attractive design element that was readily available.

It was during this, the Victorian era (1839-1901), that thin rolled tin-plate was being mass-produced. Between 1890 and 1930, approximately forty-five companies in the United States marketed metal ceilings; most were in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York, located along railroad lines that served as the main routes for getting the pressed metal products directly to contractors.

Sheets of tin were stamped one at a time using rope drop hammers and cast iron molds. Using this method of production, metal was sandwiched between two interlocking tools. The top tool, or "ram," was lifted up by a rope or chain then dropped down onto the bottom die, smashing into the metal that was underneath. This process of repeatedly hammering the metal would permanently embed intricate patterns into the tin.

Tin ceilings were traditionally painted white, giving the appearance of hand-carved or molded plaster. They were incorporated into residential living rooms and parlors as well as commercial businesses, where painted tin was often used as wainscoting.

In the 1930's tin ceilings began to lose their popularity and ceilings, and as a result were ignored as a design element. As a result, few companies continued to produce pressed metal panels. Anyone hoping to have a tin ceiling was relegated to using salvage pieces from old buildings, an imperfect and time consuming undertaking.