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Artillery shell base, officer's cap
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King's Light Infantry, British, WWI

From Swords to Plowshares
Metal Trench Art from WWI and WWII

The metal trench art objects in this exhibition are as varied and unique as the military and civilian artists who created them. The works date from the origins of this brass art form in the trenches of France during the first World War, to post World War II pieces. Makers of trench art utilized artillery shells, bullets, shrapnel, aircraft parts, currency and other miscellaneous metal scrap and applied materials.

 

The ingenuity and skill ranged from primitive artillery shell vases to elaborate lamps, cigarette lighters and ashtrays exhibiting high artistic craftsmanship. The captivating decorative appeal of trench art often reflected stylistic influences of the time, such as Art Nouveau. Often folk art designs with elaborate engraving and repoussé work were  incorporated. A number of elements combined during wartime to nurture the production of these pieces: soldiers had long periods of idle time; many came from metalworking occupations; and there often was an abundance of workable material littering the landscape. Soldiers behind the front lines were not the only group that created such souvenirs; prisoners of war and convalescent soldiers also made trench art. Indigenous artisans created pieces to be sold as souvenirs to soldiers during the war or to grieving widows and family members visiting post-war battlefields.

 

Trench art from the following countries is featured in this exhibition: United States, Great Britain, Hungary, Italy, Germany, France, Canada, Australia, Belgium and Czechoslovakia.

 

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Rifle cartridge and bullets ashtray
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American, WWII

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Projectile salt and pepper shakers
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Canadian Navy, WWII

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Bullet crucifix
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French, WWI

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Artillery shell, helmet, bullets lamp
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American, WWII

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Trench Art Catalog


[OPTION 1]  

Includes160 WWI metal trench art objects including artillery shell vases, ashtrays,

cigarette lighters, lamps,swagger sticks and other assorted decorative and functional souvenirs.

Historical photographs of soldiers making trench art are also included.

Fee: $4,500* (8 weeks); ($500 per additional week to extend rental period)*

*Insurance and roundtrip transportation costs not included in rental fee 

Security: Moderate (exhibit cases are required for small sized objects)

Space: 750 to 1,000 sq. ft.     

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[OPTION 2]

Includes160 WWII metal trench art objects including artillery shell vases, ashtrays,

cigarette lighters, lamps, swagger sticks and other assorted decorative and functional souvenirs.

Historical photographs of soldiers making trench art are also included. 

Fee: $4,500* (8 weeks); ($500 per additional week to extend rental period)*

*Insurance and roundtrip transportation costs not included in rental fee 

Security: Moderate (exhibit cases are required for small sized objects)

Space: 750 to 1,000 sq. ft.

.

 

 

[OPTION 3]

Includes320 World War I and World War II metal trench art objects including artillery shell vases, ashtrays, cigarette lighters,

lamps, swagger sticks and other assorted decorative and functional souvenirs. Historical photographs of soldiers making trench art are also included.

Fee: $7,500* (8 weeks); ($750 per additional week to extend rental period)*

*Insurance and roundtrip transportation costs not included in rental fee

Security: Moderate (exhibit cases are required for small sized objects)

Space: 1,500 to 2,000 sq. ft.

 
 
 
Other HFA WWI and WWII exhibit:

Songs of the Patriot

Our trench art collection in Budapest, Hungary- September-December 2006

From Swords to Plowshares at the James A. Michener Art Museum, 2009
 
 

 
 
 
To read more about trench art online visit the following links:

Trench art photos and information written by Jane Kimball

Trench art photos and information written by Dr. Nicholas Saunders