Anniversary Tin: Apron1880–190029 1/2 × 33"TinGift of Martin and Enid Packard1988.25.30152670651Artist unidentifiedSculptureThe American Folk Art Museum believes this work to be in the public domain. http://nodes.emuseum.com/BU1BGBAG/apis/emuseum/network/v1/vocabularies/termMaster21504GoblesGoblesUnited StatesMichiganThree Dimensional WorksGoblesTenth Anniversary TinSCULPTURETin is a gleaming silvery material whose malleability has allowed it to be used in many forms from the thinnest leafs and foils to heavy sheets. Because it is non-corrosive, it is also used to coat other metals and is combined in various alloys. In addition to its utilitarian purposes, over time tin has become symbolically associated with the celebration of tenth wedding anniversaries. Especially during the Victorian period of the second half of the nineteenth century, the occasions became opportunities for lighthearted festivity, and whimsical gifts made of tin, such as the items in this grouping, were presented to the married couple. In 1891 one publication suggested that “a general frolic is in order at the tin wedding. It is an occasion for getting together old friends after ten years of married life. . . . The invitations for this anniversary may be made upon cards covered with tin foil or upon the ordinary wedding note paper with a tin card enclosed. Those guests who desire to accompany their congratulations with appropriate presents have the whole list of articles manufactured by the tinner from which to select.”
Stacy C. Hollander, "Anniversary Tin: Apron," exhibition label from Ooh, Shiny!. Stacy C. Hollander, curator. New York: American Folk Art Museum, 2012.http://nodes.emuseum.com/BU1BGBAG/apis/emuseum/network/v1/vocabularies/termMaster21504http://nodes.emuseum.com/BU1BGBAG/apis/emuseum/network/v1/vocabularies/termMaster21504http://nodes.emuseum.com/BU1BGBAG/apis/emuseum/network/v1/vocabularies/termMaster2150418801900 1988 25 3 Tenth Anniversary TinSCULPTURETin is a gleaming silvery material whose malleability has allowed it to be used in many forms from the thinnest leafs and foils to heavy sheets. Because it is non-corrosive, it is also used to coat other metals and is combined in various alloys. In addition to its utilitarian purposes, over time tin has become symbolically associated with the celebration of tenth wedding anniversaries. Especially during the Victorian period of the second half of the nineteenth century, the occasions became opportunities for lighthearted festivity, and whimsical gifts made of tin, such as the items in this grouping, were presented to the married couple. In 1891 one publication suggested that “a general frolic is in order at the tin wedding. It is an occasion for getting together old friends after ten years of married life. . . . The invitations for this anniversary may be made upon cards covered with tin foil or upon the ordinary wedding note paper with a tin card enclosed. Those guests who desire to accompany their congratulations with appropriate presents have the whole list of articles manufactured by the tinner from which to select.”
Stacy C. Hollander, "Anniversary Tin: Apron," exhibition label from Ooh, Shiny!. Stacy C. Hollander, curator. New York: American Folk Art Museum, 2012.