The Cliff Notes History and Definition of Tramp Art

Tramp art appealed to men with thrifty and industrious personalities who were able to create both utilitarian and whimsical art out of discarded materials. We are left with the fruit of their labors crafted layer by layer, one notch at a time.

The Definition of Tramp Art

The definition for tramp art I ascribe to in my book include these basic elements; it must be made of wood, it must have layers, and the layers must have notched carved edges.

It is a simple definition for a simple art form. Although, as I encountered the wide breadth of tramp art some exceptions can be made. For example; some pieces are included that are layered but not notched and a few pieces were made in the spirit of tramp art but not from wood. These exceptions are not common and account for a very small percentage. The closest cousin that can be aligned with tramp art is crown-of-thorns.

Today the term tramp art is used to describe many different and unusual items such as popsicle stick, rustic, match stick, whimsies, adirondack, fruit pits, metal items, girlie postcards, paintings, fret work, pyrography or other collectibles. These pieces were often produced in a later period without tramp arts unique characteristics. They are not tramp art and should not be included in any discussion of the art form. They are all collectible in their own right.

Origin and History of Tramp Art

Popular belief has tramp art originating in Europe specifically with Germany and the Scandinavian countries. This is not proven and as with many of the popular beliefs surrounding tramp art might also be based in mythology. One question, if tramp art started in Europe would not pieces found there be older than pieces found here? Tramp art was made all over the world in countries wherever men smoked cigars and the raw materials were prevalent.

History of Tramp Art

The craft was popular in America from the late 1870’s until the 1940’s. The main material used in the making of tramp art was the thin wood from cigar boxes and to a lesser extent crate wood. Under the US Revenue Act of 1865 cigars were mandated to be sold in wooden boxes of regulated sizes. The cigar merchant packaged the cigars in boxes made of fine woods, usually cedar or mahogany to enhance the salability of his product. Cigar smoking was the most popular form of tobacco use during the 1870’s - 1930’s and hundreds of millions of cigar boxes were produced. Once the cigars were sold the boxes were not allowed to be re-used. Countless boxes were taken apart and with the use of simple tools, such as a pocketknife, the thin strips of wood were cut into pieces of every size and shape. The thin pieces were assembled with chip carved notches on the side of each layer to produce some of the most imaginative and labor-intensive folk art.

Was There A Tramp In Tramp Art?

One problem for tramp art is its name. When tramp art (first termed ‘Tramp Work’ in print) was first discovered in 1959 it was believed to be made by itinerants and hoboes. Since some early folk craftsmen recognized during this period such as Wm. Schimmel were indeed tramps it was assumed that wanderers were responsible for many folk objects. A newly discovered folk art form thought to be from hoboes making pieces in exchange for room or a meal became the romantic myth for tramp art. Was there a tramp in tramp art? Probably not. One historical maker when asked what he thought of the term tramp art laughingly replied, “Sonny, if I had to make a piece in order to eat I would have starved to death and so would anyone else.” Their lives were too harsh and perilous to indulge in seemingly frivolous crafting and to carry the materials and tools to make all but the simplest pieces would have been prohibitive. Although the term tramp art suggests a nomadic and nonsendentary tradition, tramp art is more related to quilting and other home-based crafts than to railroad boxcars and the open road.

One glaring difference between tramp art and other crafts is the absence of patterns. No patterns showing the techniques or styles have been found. Tramp art has existed solely due to the craftsmen’s imagination and skill passed on from town to town, family to family, by word of mouth or by example. Some names that these historical makers used to refer to their work were; scrap art, cigar box furniture, or simply woodworking. It was the knowledge they were making wonderful objects that were appreciated and cherished that drove these artists to great heights. I do not believe they would have been pleased with the name chosen for their work.

Tramp art is collected today as a form of folk art.