Road Art: The American Industrial Revolution By H.J. Nick
When MGM built a new hotel in casino in a historic district of Springfield, Massachusetts, they had to meet a very specific building guidelines, in that their building had to match with the surrounding architecture, most of which was built in the 1800's or even earlier. Our experts were able to deliver to them a door that built was built in the same hand and craft as the surrounding architecture, thus fulfilling all of their requirements.
We approach the collector market for vintage road art; as well as the museum quality restorations of historic gas pumps, petroliana, old vending machines, neon signs, and more from a historian perspective; just as we have with our flagship company, Artfactory.Com. We are a creative arts company that is based upon building world class fine art custom doors and door hardware, gates, furniture, and lighting, and have a history dating all the way back to 1913. We specialize in building historically inspired, historically correct products that are intended to last forever, and become cherished, priceless family heirlooms. A practice that is ongoing, as depicted on the thousands of pages of unique products available at Artfactory.Com.
We have built, and hand crafted, literally thousands of handmade pieces of the finest quality, fine are furnishings available anywhere in the world, at any price, Our doors and gates adorn some of the finest homes, and businesses. We build for some of the most particular, and knowledgeable customers, at the highest end of the architectural spectrum. We build from raw materials, using our ongoing apprenticeship system, that has developed some of the world’s finest master craftsmen. These craftsmen work in the lost art such as blacksmithing, woodworking, master hand carving, and use the finest quality materials available, including genuine hand forged wrought iron, and naturally desert air cured, full length, old growth timber. Our wood is processed by hand, and cured as would have been done in the Middle Ages and before. Along with centuries old techniques, and antique precision machines, such as a steam hammer, and our tool and die shop; and the people with the knowledge, experience, and expertise to operate them.
Our multi-faceted factory, located on two-acres, at the Scottsdale (Arizona) Airport, along with our classically trained workforce combine to create a uniquely versatile resource when we need to replace any destroyed parts that are unavailable on the market 100-plus-years after they were originally manufactured. After all, these historic icons now known as “Road Art” were intended to eventually be thrown away as junk, when no longer in use.
At the turn of the 20th Century, most products were still “built to last forever”, just like the products at ArtFactory.com still are today. My family has been producing for over-100-years, and myself for over-60-years. This means that when we need these parts, or need to fit a sign frame or housing can for example, we can simply make one using our historic machines, and our classically trained workforce. In other words, in the same hand and materials as the originals, and just as it was done at the beginning of the 20th, or even 19th Century. This ensures the highest level of authenticity possible, and is not just a modern patch job. This type of restoration allows for your item to reach its full, maximum value, and give you the greatest amount of appreciation on your investment. Our restorations are at the very top end level of the quality scale, and meet the standards or all major museums, and experienced collectors worldwide. Our apprentice system ensures this tradition will be carried on by our family, and the many dedicated workers we have now, for many generations to come. At ArtFactory.com, the phrase “don’t make ‘em like they used to” simply does not apply. We make everything exactly like they used to, if not better.
We do not create, reproduce, or remake new signs, or create any reproductions. Furthermore, all the accessories that make this old junk into a museum display quality collectible (frames, lights, hand blown neon) are all period correct to that item or sign. Furthermore, we take pride in every detail, up to, and including housing cans, hangers, and stands, and it is this attention to detail that makes us stand tall above everyone else, along with our guarantee, our 101 point restorations are the best in the business due to our commitment to originality, and attention to details.
Since its never wise to take the word of the picker, no matter his reputation we go many steps further with our research department digging to get the real facts and provenance, which we post with each product we offer for sale. We also tell you if we were unable to fully authenticate a sign, before you buy, which very rare in this marketplace, where buyer beware clauses have become the norm. Most of our customers are repeat and have sense of comfort even if they are the experts.