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Flemish Art Co. Factory

New York City

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Flemish Art Co. Factory, Brooklyn, New York Adapted from the FLEM-AR-CO Catalogue, circa 1915

Flemish Art Co. Factory, Brooklyn, New York Photograph courtesy of John P. Lewis, © 1979

Flemish Art Co. Factory, Brooklyn, New York Photograph courtesy of John P. Lewis, © 1979

Flemish Art Co. Factory, Brooklyn, New York Photograph courtesy of John P. Lewis, © 1979

Flemish Art Co. Factory, Brooklyn, New York Photograph courtesy of John P. Lewis, © 1979

Tour of the Flemish Art Co. Factory, Brooklyn, New York Adapted from a FLEM-AR-CO Catalogue, circa 1915

The Flemish Art Company of New York City appeared to have been given its name based on the belief that pyrography had Flemish origins. Because pyrography became so popular from the late 1800's to the first quarter of the 1900's, and because this company played so big a part in that phenomenon, the term "Flemish art" became synonymous with pyrography much as "kleenex" has become another name for a facial tissue.

Thanks to the discovery of a rare Flemish Art Co. catalogue designed for children, we have this detailed history of the factory itself signed by its president M. B. Baer. The catalogue also included (on the back cover) the picture of the enormous factory displayed here. Note that the pen-and-ink signs added above the buildings are part of the original picture on that catalogue.

From early correspondence found with stationery of the company, the address of the Flemish Art Co. of Brooklyn was 12 & 14 West 21st Street. Indicated there was that this was Factory #1 with offices and sample rooms. There was also on the stationery a second factory listed in Hoboken, New Jersey. At the top were the names M. B. Baer, Ernest Baer, and G. U. Tompers. Another letter found (dated April 10, 1905) showed an address of 45–47 West 21st Street in New York. On that stationery were the names M. B. Baer and M. Metzler. From the picture, the extensive building complex appears to occupy at least one city block, perhaps two.

If you have either any questions to ask or any additional information to offer about this Flemish Art Co. Exhibit, please e-mail the E-Museum Curator.

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