Description
Book Synopsis: Teddy Roosevelt’s head sculpted from butter. The Liberty Bell replicated in oranges. The Sioux City Corn Palace of 1891 encased with corn, grains, and grasses and stretching for two city blocks—with a trolley line running down its center. Between 1870 and 1930, from county and state fairs to the world’s fairs, large exhibition buildings were covered with grains, fruits, and vegetables to declare in no uncertain terms the rich agricultural abundance of the United States. At the same fairs—but on a more intimate level—ice-cooled cases enticed fairgoers to marvel at an array of butter sculpture models including cows, buildings, flowers, and politicians, all proclaiming the rich bounty and unending promise held by the region.
Often viewed as mere humorous novelties—fun and folksy, but not worthy of serious consideration—these lively forms of American art are described by Pamela H. Simpson in a fascinating and comprehensive history. From the pioneering cereal architecture of Henry Worrall at the Philadelphia Centennial Exposition to the vast corn palaces displayed in Sioux City, Iowa, and elsewhere between 1877 and 1891, Simpson brings to life these dazzling large-scale displays in turn-of-the-century American fairs and festivals. She guides readers through the fascinating forms of crop art and butter sculpture, as they grew from state and regional fairs to a significant place at the major international exhibitions. The Minnesota State Fair’s Princess Kay of the Milky Way contest, Lillian Colton’s famed pictorial seed art, and the work of Iowa’s “butter cow lady,” Norma “Duffy” Lyon, are modern versions of this tradition.
Beautifully illustrated with a bounty of never-before-seen archival images, Corn Palaces and Butter Queens is an accessible history of one of America’s most unique and beguiling Midwestern art forms—an amusing and peculiar phenomenon that profoundly affected the way Americans saw themselves and their country’s potential during times of drought and great depression.
Details
Discover the fascinating and often overlooked world of crop art and dairy sculpture with 'Corn Palaces and Butter Queens: A History of Crop Art and Dairy Sculpture'! Immerse yourself in the rich agricultural heritage of the United States, as this captivating book showcases the incredible displays of grains, fruits, and vegetables that adorned large exhibition buildings from county fairs to world's fairs. From Teddy Roosevelt's butter sculpture head to the Liberty Bell replicated in oranges, these artistic masterpieces will leave you in awe.
Don't be fooled by their humorous charm - these lively forms of American art deserve serious consideration. In this comprehensive history, Pamela H. Simpson takes you on a journey through the pioneering cereal architecture of Henry Worrall to the magnificent corn palaces exhibited in Sioux City, Iowa and beyond. Delve into the captivating world of butter sculpture, with ice-cooled cases showcasing intricate models of cows, buildings, flowers, and even politicians, all celebrating the abundance and promise of the region.
From state and regional fairs to major international exhibitions, crop art and butter sculpture have left an indelible mark on American culture. Witness the modern-day iterations of this tradition, from the renowned Princess Kay of the Milky Way contest at the Minnesota State Fair to Lillian Colton's incredible pictorial seed art. Not to be forgotten is the captivating work of Norma "Duffy" Lyon, Iowa's beloved "butter cow lady".
Step back in time and experience the captivating beauty of these unusual art forms, beautifully illustrated with a collection of never-before-seen archival images. 'Corn Palaces and Butter Queens' is not just a book—it's an entertaining and insightful exploration of a unique Midwestern art phenomenon, which shaped the way Americans perceived themselves and their country's potential during times of hardship. Don't miss out on this fascinating journey into the heart of American agricultural heritage.
Ready to embark on this extraordinary journey? Visit our website and order 'Corn Palaces and Butter Queens: A History of Crop Art and Dairy Sculpture' today!
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