Customer Reviews

Wendell August Forge: Seventy Five Years of Artistry in Metal

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Finally, a well researched book that chronicles the Wendell August Forge, pioneers of hand forged decorative aluminum giftwares and architectural items. Not only does this book detail the incredible story of the Wendell August Forge but also gives much insight into other producers who had their beginnings with the forge. Artisans such as, Arthur Armour, James DePonceau and Arthur Palmer along with many others are briefly discussed also. Wendell August Forge: Seventy Five Years of Artistry in Metal is beautifully illustrated showing scores of wonderful pieces of hand forged aluminum items of both giftware and architectural nature. Appendices showing marks help to date pieces more accurately, making this book valuable to collectors, dealers and researchers. This book is extremely well written and is a joy to read. You will refer to it again and again!

A beautifully illustrated book showing countless vintage pieces of hand forged aluminum artwork of exceptional rarity. Comprehensive appendixes on trademark handstamp marks and dating clues allows collectors and dealers to date peices with considerable accuracy. This book is valuable to novice and experienced collectors, antique dealers, researchers and historians. It is destined to become an essential resource to anyone interested in decorative, architectural or hand hammered aluminum.

"Wendell August Forge: Seventy Five Years of Artistry in Metal," by Bonita Campbell, is a benchmark work. For dealers and collectors of decorative and hammered aluminum giftware, the book is noteworthy because it is well researched, well written and generously illustrated. Campbell skillfully relates in a readable narrative format, the history of this company and its place in the decorative aluminum industry that it founded. Moreover, Campbell's research also gives the reader information on company marks, motifs, and production styles, that makes it possible to date Wendell August Forge pieces. Collectors and dealers who know the provenance of a piece will always have advantage over those who do not. We can only hope that Campbell, as a noteworthy expert in this genre, will soon be publishing additional works about decorative aluminum.

I wear the hats of both an artist, and a collector of decorative aluminum. As an artist, I am drawn to the Campbell book, because it represents the first fully researched history of the company that introduced this uniquely American art form. As a collector, I am delighted to find a work that gives me information to determine the provenance, including dating, of the Wendell August Forge artifacts.

Fantastic book! As a collector of decorative and hammered aluminum, I couldn't put it down until I had read the whole thing!If you are a collector or dealer of decorative or hand forged aluminum, or have an abiding interest in the art and craftsmanship of America's past, or if you have a special interest in the aluminum produced by the Wendell August Forge, then you will find this book fascinating and invaluable! In addition to a complete history of the Forge, you'll find it's packed full of black/white and color photos of fabulous, hand forged pieces from the early 1930s (how about a Turtle Shell Bird Bath, or an Archery Table, or floor-standing Cat Tail Candlesticks!!) to the present, including the new and limited editions.And, author Bonita Campbell, through her excellent and thorough research, has made it possible for us to finally be able to closely date our pieces using the illustrated listing of the various marks that the Forge has used over the years, along with an appendix offering dating clues. You'll also see many photos of the early Forge workers demonstrating their production process.There is such a wealth of documented information in this book, and Campbell has presented it in such an easy-to-read and understandable format, you won't be disappointed!

Bonita Campbell has done a phenomenal job. She has the gift of providing whatever needs to be said. i am amazed at the scope and accuracy of her work, and ma the good Lord bless her and the work she is doing.