TL;DR
American Wood Column Corporation, a historic maker of ornamental wood features in New York, is closing after more than a century. The closure is driven by retirement and difficulties sourcing materials, marking the end of a rare craft.
The American Wood Column Corporation, a 110-year-old family business in New York specializing in ornamental woodwork, is closing its doors after more than a century of operation, according to its president Thomas Lupo.
Thomas Lupo, 72, confirmed that the company will cease operations due to the retirement of himself and his aging crew, with no new apprentices or successors stepping in. The business, located on Grand Street in East Williamsburg, is one of the few remaining U.S. firms making decorative compo-based ornaments, including columns, medallions, and moldings.
Founded in 1916 by Lupo’s grandfather, the company has supplied notable projects such as Brooklyn’s Kings Theater, Ralph Lauren stores, and even props for films like The Godfather and television shows like Saturday Night Live. Despite its historic significance, demand for such ornate woodwork has declined, and sourcing key materials like hide glue has become increasingly difficult and expensive.
Lupo emphasized that the company’s closure is primarily due to the aging of his team and the lack of new workers interested in this niche craft, rather than a sharp decline in orders. He noted that the business still receives occasional projects from set designers and restorers but is no longer sustainable long-term.
Implications of the Business Closure for Craft Preservation
The closure of American Wood Column marks the end of a rare, nearly extinct craft of ornamental woodwork using compo, a mixture of sawdust, glue, and whiting. It highlights the challenges faced by traditional artisans in a modern economy that favors cheaper, mass-produced alternatives. The loss of this business risks the disappearance of a unique skill set that has historical and architectural significance in the U.S.
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Historical Roots and Decline of Ornamental Woodwork Industry
The company’s origins trace back to 1916, when Lupo’s grandfather acquired a building and a craft that had roots in European decorative traditions. Over the decades, the business thrived during periods of high demand for restoration and elaborate interior design, especially in New York’s historic neighborhoods. However, shifting tastes toward minimalist aesthetics, the rise of inexpensive imported moldings, and the decline of skilled trades have led to a sharp decrease in demand. The company’s reliance on niche projects like film and television set design reflects the limited market for traditional ornamental woodwork today.
“No one wanted me, and now they love me. I should go out of business more often!”
— Thomas Lupo
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Unclear Future of Ornamental Woodwork Craft
It is not yet confirmed whether any other companies in the U.S. will attempt to preserve or revive this ornamental craft. The long-term fate of the remaining artisans and the potential for new apprentices to learn the trade remains uncertain. Additionally, the impact on historic restoration projects that rely on such specialized work is still being assessed.
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Next Steps for the Closure and Heritage Preservation
Following the announcement, the company is expected to wind down operations over the coming months. There may be efforts by preservationists or craft advocates to document or preserve some of the techniques and molds used by American Wood Column. The industry’s decline raises questions about how to sustain or record such rare skills before they disappear entirely.
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Key Questions
Why is American Wood Column closing now?
The company is closing primarily because its founder and crew are retiring, and there is a lack of new workers interested in maintaining this niche craft. Supply chain issues, especially sourcing hide glue, have also contributed.
What kind of work did the company do?
The company specialized in ornamental woodwork using a mixture called compo, producing decorative columns, medallions, moldings, and props for films and television.
Will this craft continue elsewhere?
It is currently unclear if other artisans or companies will attempt to preserve or revive this traditional craft, which is now very rare in the U.S.
What is the significance of this closure?
This marks the end of a nearly 110-year-old family business and the potential loss of a unique, historic craft integral to many architectural restorations and artistic projects.
Are there efforts to document or preserve the company’s techniques?
Details are not yet confirmed, but preservationists or craft advocates may attempt to record or archive the company’s molds and methods before the business fully closes.
Source: Curbed
