Folk art: A counterbalance to contemporary existence

The time has come to appreciate archaic furniture and folk art. We have all led more straightforward lives during this weird year. Folk art embodies ideas that we can all focus on going forward: community, utilitarianism, and simple pleasures.

What is folk art?

The phrase “folk art” refers to a broad category of items created in rural areas prior to the advent of mass production. There were no regulations; the goal of the furniture and artefacts manufactured by the local artisans was to satisfy customers. A variety of unusual items, such as carved human and animal sculptures, funny commerce signs, quaint country furniture, and more, can be found in this genre.

Some pieces, like the Welsh stick-back chairs, are readily identifiable. These kinds of items become part of the community’s customs and are still sought for by collectors.

Dovetail and mortise-and-tenon joints, among other intriguing carpentry methods, are frequently seen in this rustic furniture. The rustic assembling is the reason why makers nearly always decide to paint the final product.

Folk art was not recognised as a category until the 19th century, when the Arts and Crafts movement started to gain traction. Folk art, according to William Morris, the founder of Arts and Crafts, is “anything exhibiting cultural heritage in a non-elitist, primitive or handmade style.”

Morris drew inspiration for his personal design approach from the history of this genre. Both aesthetics emphasise the unique craftsman and practical furniture, but intentionally so as opposed to accidentally.

Folk art existed before the industrial revolution and mass manufacturing, while arts and crafts was a response to them. Every item of furniture was built by hand with a specific function; there were no machines.

There are certain characteristics that set this genre apart, even though this craft is individualised. Folk art frequently features vividly coloured painted embellishments. Typically, the topic is a straightforward and innocent depiction of recognised objects. In addition to serving as a means of communication, these painted scenes were part of a society that was predominately illiterate.

People in Scandinavia especially made items for dining, and there was a significant communal eating and drinking culture there. Since candles were the primary source of illumination during the 17th and 18th centuries, you’ll notice a lot of candlesticks created in England and other parts of Europe.

We have spent more time in our homes than ever before this year. Naturally, this comes with a heightened awareness of our interiors. Primitive design is a wonderful antidote to the complexity and pressures of modern life, and it blends in particularly well in a contemporary interior.

Antique Large Hungarian Folk Art Hand Painted Bench — Hungarian Folk Art Hand Painted Bench

Antique Painted Pine Folk Art Naive Cupboard

Folk Art Child's Desk — Folk Art Child’s Desk

folk art vernacular farmhouse dining table

Stripped back folk art furniture looks charming in a rustic country kitchen, whilst some of the brightly painted pieces bring a pop of colour. This design is far from restrictive in terms of choice; benches, chairs, and stools of all shapes and sizes will meet the requirements for your space.

Don’t stop at furniture and consider the wide range of decorative pieces that can liven up your interior. Folk art paintings are particularly charming, as well as tapestries, painted screens, and carved figures.

Folk art furniture is primitive, unpretentious, and often tells a wonderful story. It connects us to our ancestors and country in a deeply personal and accessible way.