The Collection

Hellerkunst Skye USA

I have decided to call this collection of 68 pieces of German folk art by the title “Hellerkunst Skye USA”.  This is a working title while I research and learn more about this art form.  Essentially, most of the collection are hand painted wooden plaques that can be hung on the wall or put into little stands.  They were made for kindergartens or children’s nursery rooms.

The name “Hellerkunst” comes from the name of a shop that created such pieces in the early 20th century.  Other shops named their work after themselves as well, for example Mertens Kunst.  As I learn more about the different people and shops that created these works, I will provide updates.

I found this collection in a local antique store.  The woman who owns the store purchased the collection from another person who purchased from another antique store, which purchased it from an estate sale.  The short of it is that I do not know who the original owner was who brought the collection over from Germany.  I do know however, that the entire collection is early.  From my understanding of the art, the pieces in this collection are from the 1920s and 1930s, and perhaps as many as 10 shops are represented.

I welcome any and all input from viewers about this folk art form.  It is my intention to document the collection as much as possible and help it finds its way to a new home where it will be preserved; for example a folk art museum in Germany.

All the best,
Nicholas