The Sophistication of Cast Aluminum

In May, we explored cast aluminum artistry by way of highlighting some of our most creative offerings. We also gave a nod to architect and metallurgist William Frishmuth, who was the first to realize castings in his Philadelphia foundry during the 1800s. We at Currey & Company have so many amazing produces made of this material, we decided we’d revisit the subject today. If you’d like to take a look at the previous post before you read this one, you can find it here. Be sure to read to the end to learn about our sponsorship of The Ticking Tent, a creative endeavor in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, on November 2nd.

The Sophistication of Cast Aluminum

Searching online for articles relating to cast aluminum furniture illustrates just how unique so many of our products are. Though there are a few pieces about 1920s aluminum furniture, these have no resemblance whatsoever to the artistry of our furnishings. There are even more featuring outdoor furniture made from the material, but even with these there are few companies presenting sophisticated pieces like we are introducing to the marketplace. So here is round two of the products we offer made of cast aluminum.

Looking as serene as a contemplative Greek princess from antiquity, the abstracted profile of the wading bird on the Antigone Table Lamp makes it a perfect choice for adding a bit of whimsy to a room. Made of cast aluminum in a mix of antique brass and black finishes, the svelte, long-billed bird is perched atop a black painted, cast aluminum base. The inspiration for this gold table lamp was a sculpture with the same lithe silhouette.

Inspired by a previous whimsical design that has been extremely popular, the Abu Gold Planter with its seated ape, molded in cast aluminum, lifts a plant-worthy vessel with little effort. The antique gold finish that covers the piece makes the gold planter read as if it has aged. The texture that is inherent in metal poured into molds in a foundry is evident on this piece, which brings it a vintage flair. It is best to use a liner with the solid metal planter when a planter has a drain hole.

Simple in its machined handsomeness, the Tondo Nickel Accent Table is made of cast aluminum in a black nickel finish. The dark gray accent table illustrates the talent of our craftspeople who do superb metal work and masterful finishes.

The Delle Black Drinks Table has Bronze Age elevments, though in the most modern sense of the style. Made of cast aluminum in a bronze finish, the profile of the geometrically sophisticated table has heft for such a small piece of furniture. The black drinks table can also skew rough luxe, style-wise.

Inspired by his days in Florida where banks of mangroves proliferate, Ian Thornton designed the Mangrove Bronze Floor Lamp. Made of cast aluminum in a bronze finish, he created the base detail in the shape of the plant's roots and gave it a knotty surface like the real plant. To enhance the texture, he chose a grasscloth shade to top the composition. The stems that arch up toward the shade are cleverly balanced with the shape of the base.

The Piaf Gold Drinks Table is a cast aluminum accent table in a luminous gold finish that will make it gleam from its spot in a room. The whimsical design has two birds perched on twigs extending from a branch-like stem that holds its top. We also offer the accent table version of the Piaf in silver, and as a gold floor lamp and a white floor lamp.

The Robles Graphite Accent Table is a cast aluminum piece that illustrates the artfulness that comes from exemplary foundries. The smooth surfaces in a graphite finish are contrasted by the linear surfaces to which a white patina was applied -- the pale liquid gathering in the vertical grooves to create a heavy dose of texture.

Our Chastain Table Lamp, shown in the lead image and above, fuses round shapes with flat planes and gleaming surfaces with matte darkness. Made of cast aluminum in a mix of antique brass and black finishes, the lamp has halved orbs set along the stem that grow as they flow downward. Topping the brass and black lamp is an off-white shantung shade.

The Pattee Tray Set is one of our most personable tabletop items. The gold decorative trays come in a set of two. The small and large leaves are made of aluminum that has been given a wonderful whitewashed patina by our talented finish artisans.

The Bavi Silver Large Vase is made of cast aluminum in an antique nickel finish. It has the appearance of age due to the surface that becomes distressed when the finish gathers in the crevices and in the stippling. The Bavi comes in several sizes and finishes.

Proving that texture works well on a contemporary piece of furniture, the Jahnu Bench has a surface that is swirling with personable tonal variations and stippling. The gold bench is composed of a cast aluminum rectangle that sits atop a black plinth base, which is also made of aluminum. Though the lines of this piece are thoroughly modern, the metal bench would also shine in a setting with industrial stylistic notes.

The Ishaan Black Accent Table lifts an oblong tray top on its organically shaped pedestal. The dark gray accent table is made of cast aluminum in a black nickel finish. It has a time-worn hint of patina thanks to our talented finish artisans. We also offer the Ishaan in brass.

The Ticking Tent Redux

As promised above, here are some details about The Ticking Tent, including this link where you can purchase tickets. This will be the second bi-annual event that becomes a decorative, artisan, and antique market experience when all of the vendors have their wares in place [notice the cast aluminum paperweight shaped like a hand in the image above!]. The organizers Christina Juarez and Benjamin Reynaert believe in the art of discovery, in the integrity of artisans, and in sourcing the highest quality and most unique objects and accessories for the home. You can see for yourself on November 2nd from 9 am to 4 pm at Industria Williamsburg at 39 S. 5th Street in Brooklyn, New York. Some of our team will be there so be sure to say hello if you spot one of us.