Chalk it up to deco touches on the history of, and much maligned, chalkware items.  It’s hard to believe that something starting out as beautiful objects with noble beginnings led to a pastiche of kitsch.

Developed in the 18^th century as a serious decorative art.  The primary purpose was to imitate more expensive English decorative ware, such as Staffordshire. From the 1920’s through 1940’s, it enabled the average person to own affordable and lovely items to decorate the home.

 

Composed of either plaster of Paris or formed gypsum, chalkware chips easily. They are painted with either oil paints or watercolors and as the colors sits on top of the surface rather than fired on like ceramics, the color tends to fade over time. Early examples are hollow and due to the soft nature of the material used, are difficult to find undamaged. Surviving pieces tend to look dull as they cannot be easily cleaned. Water and humidity are not friends as chalkware reacts unfavorably with moisture.

 

On the cusp of the art deco period, things took a turn for the worse, in my opinion. Because of the low-cost to produce chalkware, “Carnival chalk” became popular. This is what most of us are familiar with and refers to chalkware figures given as prizes at carnival games. Produced in mass quantities, finishing details vary resulting in a bizarre and sometimes questionable array of items.

 

 

Chalkware continued in popularity during WW II and post-war time as an inexpensive means to decorate the home. The items produced for home use ranged from table lamps, figurines, wall decor and tourist memorabilia.

 

There is also a selection representing celebrities and politicians.  Here’s a  couple of charming portrayals.

 

 

Although mid-century and not Art Deco, special mention goes to the most ubiquitous of all. Made in many forms, the chalkware chefs string holder is probably the most recognizable of all pieces.

 

Surprisingly, chalkware remained popular into the 1970’s. Ultimately, the weight and fragility doomed the product. By the 1970’s, good quality and reasonably priced ceramics and plastic alternatives came into being.

 

 

So, the next time you see a piece of chalkware, I hope you appreciate its history more than before.  I know I do!

Chris (half of the Freakin’ ‘tiquen guys)