Sunday, May 31, 2015

Hendryx Enhanced

Today I would like to show you some photos from a collector in Mexico. Miguel contacted me through this blog and said he collected Hendryx cages too.  He gets them from markets or on the internet.  He repairs them, if needed, then intervenes artistically so they will be more pleasing to the senses.  He has a creative spirit and does all his work freehand.  These belong to a collection that is an artistic intervention to an ancient object without losing its original function.

Let's get some pictures in here so you can see what I'm talking about.

First to know is that the birds are models for the photos.  They do not live in these cages.


Several things to notice on this first cage.  Note the blue hummingbird wire sculptures on the back wall.  Note the wires that support the swing.  The blue feeders compliment the blue floor and perches and tie the color scheme together.  (Blue is my favorite color and I find this very appealing.)  This is a 1930s cage that is anything but plain.






Look at the back wall of this fine Hendryx cage.  There is  a large bird intricately woven in the cage wires.  The perches and swing are hand painted and covered with a polyester layer so the paint is protected and is not harmful to the birds.


Here is a lovely floral arrangement on the base of the cage.  The bird model is well chosen as it blends with some of the flowers.

The purple in this Art Deco cage adds a little spice to a simple cage design.




Check out this classic beehive by Hendryx.  It looks anything but classic.  More like "classy".  The swing and perches are decorated to match the orange color scheme.  The bird looks to be the best model for this cage!  


Look at the floor to this beehive cage.  What a work of art!!  It is an amazing butterfly painted by hand which covers the whole floor.  The screen seed guard has been removed so nothing blocks the view to this masterpiece.


I have seen cages painted, cages with plants hanging in them, and cages in the back yard without doors so the wild birds have free access to them; but this is the first I've seen or heard about the artistic enhancement of an older object without losing its original purpose.  I think it's great.

I'd like to hear your comments on this.  There is a place at the bottom of this entry where you can comment.  If you have done some creative enhancements to your Hendryx cages and would like to share with us, please write to me at my email address tweetthings53@gmail.com and send some photos.  I will post them as a guest contributor.

Thank you for your time.  And again, "happy hunting".
Barbara

1 comment:

Sailgirlsue said...

As some of you know, I collect quite a few antiques in general. I have an extensive bird cage collection. My goal has always been to keep the cages as close to their original condition as possible. I tend to be a purist in that sense. What you may not know is that I also collect art. I have several original works by local artists.

Miguel, your cages are absolutely gorgeous!!! Many times you see cages spray painted or sloppily painted but the beautiful metal work on your cages is outstanding. The lovely butterfly just makes the old cage a pleasure to look at. You combine two of my loves - antique cages with thoughtful and well executed original art! And you are using them for their original purpose: to hold birds!

Barbara, it is probably a shock to you that I think what Miguel has done is a wonderful use of old cages. They have been given a new look! I think if Andrew Hendryx were alive today he would hire Miguel to work for him. He was a very astute businessman and he would see the potential in Miguel's cages. They are absolutely beautiful. Thanks to you for sharing them with us!