Pyrography or Flem art is the craft of creatively burning pictures or designs into wooden or leather items using a wood burning kit.  Most people associate antique pyrography with the Victorian era, because perhaps the term ‘pyrography’ was coined then and it was a very popular artistic pastime for that era.  In the Victorian era, the art of pyrography was promoted in women’s magazines, fueling the craze was the advent of a variable temperature burning tool that made more precise artwork possible.   The Flemish Art Company produced the popular pyrography kit.  Hence the name, ‘Flem Art’.
  An often overlooked art, Pyrography or Flem art is an interesting and unusual collectible.  The prices are still rather low considering the age, workmanship, and rarity of these beautiful items.  For instance, a book rack, (see photo) charmingly engraved with flowers was recently purchased for $15.00, and it lists for $145.00.  A recently purchased rare tie rack, handsomely decorated with two dogs (see photo below) from a flea market for $10.00, lists for around $100.00.  This author learned the value of Pyrography the hard way, as I sold a beautiful towel rack for $35.00 that lists for $235.00.

 The Victorian Pyrographic kits were certainly interesting but could be dangerous.  The fuel ‘Benzine’ is distilled from coal and used for some solvents.  In other words, it was very flammable and the wood burning tips were very hot!  The kit also consisted of a double rubber bulb with long tubing, a glass top alcohol lamp, varnish, brushes, water color brushes, carving tools, instruction book, platinum points, and a couple of practice boards with a design stamped on them.  The most popular wood used was Basswood because of its even grain.  It has a smoother surface to run the wood-burning tip over.

  This craft was really not a new one hundred years ago, it was descended from another artform referred to as ‘Poker Art’ from the first half of the 19th century.  Because of the implements used in Poker Art, the work was generally rustic in style.  For the Victorian era artists Pyrography provided a welcome relief from the traditional Victorian era pastimes such as embroidery or calligraphy, and also made wonderful, personalized gifts.  However, in about 1910, other things like phonographs, electricity and automobiles gave the craft a great deal of competition.  World War one also took women away from this and other crafts and put them to work making bandages and other war necessities.
 
There are some beautiful examples on the market today.  Often the kits came with premade designs and I have seen lovely bookcases, tea tables, picture frames, glove boxes, and tie racks.  One could order fireplace screens, trunks (what a find that would be!) book racks, and leather articles.

When buying Pyrography items, look for quality first.  Notice how ornate the item is, and whether the piece has consistent burning with shading and excellent workmanship, as these obviously make the item more desirable.  As far as investment is concerned, these items will most likely increase in value and may someday become the new ‘hot’ item.  This antique craft is currently priced low, and this author feels it is a very good investment.  Of course, the main factor is whether you really like the piece you are purchasing for your own collection.  If buying for investment here are some wonderful rare examples: chairs, small tables, book shelves, spice racks, clock shelves, trunks, lamp bases, or towel racks.   Gibson girl pictures are fantastic and kitchen items such as match safes are adorable and worth considering for investment.

For more information on Pyrography, see ‘The Burning Passion’ by Carol and Richard Smyth, (Printed in 1995).  It is a great reference resource,  the Schroeders Antique Price Reference Guide also has some additional information.
Feel free to email me at Gass2000@efn.org for any information or comments.

Antique Pyrography web sites
http://www.geocities.com/Paris/Rue/4029/antique.html
http://wwwoodcarver.com/WWWEzine/Vol2Issue1/Menendez/Antiquep1.html
Modern Pyrography web sites
http://www.geocities.com/Paris/Rue/4029/directory.html