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I started to collect Kensington aluminum several years ago when I found a piece that reminded me of a tray my mother used to use. My mother used that Kensington tray to serve everything from cocktails and canapés, to sandwiches and desserts for her bridge club. In addition to being versatile and durable, Kensington aluminum has a soft, silky feel and incredible style. I am by no means an expert, but I have learned a little about my collection and am happy to share what I know!
A Very Brief History of Aluminum
Aluminum is a basic chemical element. By the mid-1800s, scientists knew that it existed, but really had no idea how to extract it from the earth, or even what exactly to do with it once they did. In 1854, Henri Sainte-Claire Deville (France) invented a chemical method of extracting aluminum. Scientists soon found that aluminum was a very exciting discovery - not only is aluminum light, it is soft enough to be easily shaped into many forms. Despite those findings, aluminum could only be made in small amounts and was used primarily for small handmade objects. As supplies increased, aluminum began to be used for industrial products. Inventors working on the first airplanes valued aluminum for its lightness and durability. In 1886, Charles Martin Hall (Ohio) and Paul Heroult (France) almost simultaneously discovered the method of smelting aluminum. This method, called the Hall-Heroult Process, is an electricity based method which leaves aluminum as a byproduct. Hall started the Pittsburgh Reduction Company, which became the Aluminum Company of America (Alcoa) in 1907. With the increased supply and lower cost, companies began experimenting with aluminum products for mass use, such as military canteens, combs, furniture, Airstream trailers, and even a violin.
ALCOA and Kensington Aluminum
Alcoa introduced their aluminum alloy giftware line - Kensington Ware - in 1934. The line was designed by Lurelle Guild, an industrial and modernist designer. The first series of pieces were aluminum and cast brass - they were Art Deco in style and very functional. The Kensington line of giftware was made of a aluminum alloy that was whiter in color than pure aluminum and was manufactured in New Kensington, Pennsylvania until 1970.
Lurelle Van Arsdale Guild
Lurelle Van Arsdale Guild (1898-1986) was a prominent modernist designer. Modernist designers, such as Guild and his contemporaries Raymond Loewy, Russell Wright, George Sakier and Gilbert Rohde, worked with manufacturers to create livable products with distinctive style. Guild studied painting at Syracuse University and began designing magazine covers and working in theatre design. In addition to his role with Alcoa, Guild worked with other manufacturers, such as Westinghouse, Norge, Fostoria Glass, Chase Metal Arts and Herman Miller. Lurelle Guild is perhaps best known for his streamlined … and quite beautiful … Electrolux vacuum cleaner.
What to Look For When Purchasing Kensington Ware
Some of the most popular Kensingtonware items are the brass accented Coldchester and Laurel lines. Other lines include Waverly, Mayfair, Chatham, Clifton, Dorchester and Moire, each with its own distinctive look. Most - if not all - vintage Kensington pieces will have some scratching in the soft aluminum. It’s best, of course, to find a piece with as little scratching as possible. Some pieces - such as an unusual cigarette box or a highly sought-after Art Deco styled brass and aluminum piece - are worth buying even with heavy scratching, because of their rarity.
Care and Cleaning of Your Aluminum Collection
It is best to keep cleaning simple - just a very mild soap and warm water. Do not use any type of abrasive cleaner - such as scouring powder or steel wool, even baking soda - or harsh detergents. Do not soak your aluminum pieces - simply clean and dry with a soft towel.
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