Art deco metal housewares dating to the 1930s are showcased in the Aurora main library’s new exhibit. The display on the third floor of Santori Aurora Public Library, 101 S. River Street in Aurora, runs through June. Admission and parking are free. Library hours are Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sunday, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m..
“Celebrating the 100th Anniversary of Art Deco.” ponsored by the Mid-West Early American Pressed Glass Club of Aurora, the exhibit features more than 20 items and background information on the 1925 Paris, France, Exposition International des Arts Decoratifs and a Connecticut manufacturer of industrial and commercial parts who introduced art deco-style housewares.
Emmy Lou John of Aurora, library exhibit case chairman for Mid-West, said more than 20 display items are brass or copper plated with chrome. They include candlesticks, napkin holder, serving spoon and fork, triple tray, sugar and creamer, waffle set, ice bowl and tongs, blue mirror tray with four cocktail cups, ice drink mixers and an “occasional” box.
John said, “Each piece is trademarked with the Chase Brass and Copper Co. centaur. The Waterbury, Conn., manufacturer turned toilet floats and copper tubing into consumer-oriented giftware in 1930 after the stock market crash of 1929.
“Depression-era belt tightening meant more at-home entertaining. Chase housewares–shiny, useful and economical–were the perfect solution. “Chrome plating offered advantages such as no rusting, no tarnishing and cleaning with a soapy cloth and gentle drying. Chase product designers made watering cans from former toilet floats and stylish bookends from copper tubing.
—Al Benson