Antique Reproductions Preserve Traditional Craftsmanship

In this modern age of convenience and mass production, traditional craftsmanship is a rare and valuable art form that infrequently gets the spotlight in design and furniture it deserves. Much of the factory-produced furniture of today do not last as long, whether through planned obsolescence or by using less-than-premium materials.

As the world becomes increasingly aware of our impact on the environment and the importance of sustainability, many, young and old, are returning to artisanal handmade items that preserve more traditional means of crafting objects and furniture—these same techniques that have built antique pieces that have outlasted centuries.

Antique reproductions help preserve craftsmanship traditions that would otherwise become lost over time by carefully recreating the traditional carpentry and cabinetry skills used to create some of the most beloved antiques ever.

Mass Production Consequences

The Industrial Revolution took off at the end of the 18th century and expanded during the 19th into a second Industrial Revolution in Europe and North America. This transition was marked by significant changes in society as well as industry. Technological and scientific advances and the creation and discovery of new materials meant machines progressively replaced men and women in factories. It became possible to produce faster, cheaper furniture leading to mass production.

This change meant many artists, artisans, cabinetry makers, and carpenters were left without work or a place as machines replaced them. These Industrial Revolutions caused the decline of traditional handicrafts and impacted the design as well as the aesthetics of furniture. Mass-produced factory items became uniform, and thousands of items like chairs, tables, lounges, and so on began to look identical, causing traditional handicrafts' unique and often one-of-a-kind nature to fade.

This shift to factories and decline in demand for handmade goods further caused the loss of many traditional handicraft skills, which meant the loss of cultural heritage and identity for many. For a small example, certain types of traditional textiles or pottery styles closely associated with ethnic groups or communities became lost—as with the loss of these crafts, these cultures were also at risk of being lost.

In addition to significant cultural impact, many traditional handicrafts were passed down through generations of families, meaning the fading of these skills and the expertise of generations were also gone.

The Effects of Mass Production on Artisans and Communities

As the demands for traditional handicraft skills lessened, many artisans were forced to give up their livelihood and essential source of income to adapt their skills to the new industrial economy. For many communities that relied on handicraft production, the decline of these skills meant a loss of economic stability.

The rise of Industrialization and mass production also meant traditional handicrafts were replaced by cheaper, less-than-quality goods, which led to a loss of trust and reputation.

The Resurgence of Traditional Handicraft

There has been a growing trend towards sustainable living and turning away from mass-produced items in recent years. Many in lockdown were inspired to learn hands-on crafts and projects during the height of the COVID pandemic lockdown. This handicraft resurgence also sparked the younger generation to explore the world of second-hand goods, traditional crafting methods, antiques, and antique reproductions.

Social media became a conduit for millions during quarantine at home, and younger people with eco-conscious values began sharing their hobbies, handicrafts, and their re-discovery of antiques and art to create a home they loved spending time in. Many turned their backs on fast fashion and mass production due to its detrimental environmental effects. They soon began seeking other ways to create a sustainable home that was also a sanctuary to spend time in.

The art and antiques market moved firmly online, with social media sites and influencers sharing their favorites, tips, and tricks on finding antiques and decorating your home with them. According to a 2022 survey(1), more than 74% of those under 35 now primarily buy art, collectibles, and furniture that supports the artistic and traditional craft community. Furthermore, purchasing antiques or antique reproductions built with traditional craftsmanship and items like antique décor and jewelry saw a massive resurgence thanks to the reuse and recycle movement.

Antique Reproductions Preserving History and Tradition
Reproductions that adhere to the traditional cabinetry of the master craftsman of the past are much more complicated to build than simply restoring an antique. An antique restoration has a foundation already built; a restorer can go from bare-bones to fully restored and back to life. In reproductions, we must start from scratch.

Quality antique reproduction companies will start by researching all copies of original drawings and photos of antiques. Additionally, modern-age master carpenters set aside items such as fasteners, bindings, and adhesives to use the same traditional joinery techniques that are wood elements. One of the most popular and traditional carpentry techniques is the Mortise-and-Tenon joint.

The reason furniture makers past and present use these joints in antique reproductions is that they are still one of the most vital, most robust connections that can last for centuries. This technique is used in everything from neolithic stonework to the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris.

There are many different types of Mortise-and-Tenon, but all require expert, precise measuring and extremely tight cutting that make these joints come together flawlessly. Using tools to create these joints by hand requires a highly talented carpenter's patience, experience, and training.

Still, by relearning how to make these antique reproductions according to traditional means, reproductions bring these traditional handicraft skills back to life. As more and more become invested in learning how to preserve traditional furniture making, knowledge once relegated to the few or dusty tomes is brought back into the limelight. Younger generations are researching handicrafts that were once set aside as being unfashionable, while many indigenous cultures are reclaiming crafts that are in danger of becoming extinct or endangered to help preserve these vital skills within their communities.

By creating antique reproductions, Laurel Crown enables builders to preserve these historical techniques that would otherwise be lost over time, ensuring the furniture we make is heirloom quality with timeless beauty for years to come.

 

Sources:
1: https://www.hiscox.co.uk/online-art-trade-report