Both contemporary and traditional designs are fleshed out with wall art – a focal point for outdoor spaces, commercial spaces, estates, and film and stage sets. Non-traditional wall art, such as fine reclaimed metalwork, stonework, and other unique architectural elements, adds history and texture to a design, which may include sculptural, figural, or industrial features.
Olde Good Things carries an impressive selection of original architectural elements carefully extracted, preserved, and sometimes transformed. Designers and other architecture aficionados appreciate the history and craftsmanship these elements bring when used as decorative wall art.
One of our notable artworks is Radio and Television Encompassing the Earth Relief, originally installed in the west concourse of Rockefeller Center in 1988. It was removed during a recent renovation and is now part of our collection. View it online to learn more about its history.
Reclaimed Tin Panels
Decorative tin panels were often used in late 19th and early 20th century buildings as a fire-resistant, charming alternative to plaster ceilings. These were also known as tin ceilings or pressed metal ceilings.
Tin panel collage in Fifth Avenue NYC retail store
Tin panel ceiling in designer shoe store
Olde Good Things created a market trend with historic reclaimed tin ceilings repurposed into art. In our Scranton warehouse workshop, skilled craftsmen apply the tin to frames for exquisite mirrors and art. You can catch a glimpse of these altered antique wall hangings made with tin (or copper) on our workshop journal on Instagram.
We have also created streamlined collages of the individual tin square panels to decorate the walls of retail and commercial spaces.
Copper Wall Art
One of our most popular materials for repurposed wall art is copper. The material’s classic visual appeal, richness of tone, and rarity makes it an asset to any design.
We source copper from the removal of the original cornices, downspouts, and other features of historic buildings. You can see some of these reclaimed copper architectural elements in our warehouse blog on Instagram, some of which have a classic verdigris aged finish with century-old or older original patina. One of most popular copper products we handcraft is our copper patch mirrors. They can be made custom in a rectangle or circular shape. Contact a sale associate for more details.
The lion head was removed from 417 Park Avenue, which was designed by Architect Emery Roth.
Storefront skin removed from the entrance of 14 W 57th Street, NYC.
Iron Wall Art
Ironwork lovers appreciate the allure of fine iron expertly shaped prior to the invention of welding. Blacksmiths bent and shaped iron into intricate figures and designs held in place with iron bands and pins.
Samuel Yellin was one such master craftsman. He began Samuel Yellin Metalworkers in 1909, setting standards for craftsmanship that still exist under the same name today. The business provided fine metalwork for some of the most elite clients and prestigious buildings in America, cementing the longevity and prominence of the use of decorative wrought iron.
Cast iron, too, is a testament to original fine metalwork. Cast iron was formed by pouring heated metal into a shape, or mould. Olde Good Things cast iron pieces include original vents often used in historical buildings, such as the Waldorf Astoria hotel, which were traditionally custom crafted with ornate motifs.
In addition to functional purposes, the material was also used on the exteriors of prominent buildings to exude a sense of royalty or nobility, such as these cast iron ornate friezes removed from a building in New York City. View the quantity available online.
Many of these fine iron pieces have been used by the lovers of fine metalwork to adorn interior walls, exterior and garden walls, and other features.
Stone, Wood, and Unique Items
Stone, wood, glass, and other materials are also repurposed into stunning wall art.
Terra cotta is one of the lighter materials widely used for sculptural wall art. Other stonework and decorative stone, such as repurposed carved limestone, is saved during the demolition or renovation of historic buildings. You can find pieces like these in entries and courtyards of high-end buildings and commercial spaces. Sculptural and figural pieces are excellent for occupying recesses in walls or simply mounted. Reclaimed wood and backlit stained glass have also been used successfully to create an atmospheric effect in traditional or contemporary design.
Terra cotta heads displayed on wall in a house reclaimed by OGT
For more unique wall art or traditional paintings, visit one of our locations or contact an Olde Good Things expert to find your ideal piece in the extensive inventory.
