The annual CLF fundraising auction
routinely offers the finest in contemporary frontier art, but Brian Barker’s striking
contribution to this year’s auction has the looks of a centuries-old original.
Barker crafted the hunting bag from
bark tanned deer hide, warmly aged and hand sewn with linen thread. The
interior of the bag is lined with linen fabric, and appears to have been
“repaired” with a swatch of pillow tick. The strap for the bag is made from
heavy duty vegetable tanned cowhide, and is fully adjustable by means of an
aged brass buckle.
The exceptional southern style horn
which accompanies this piece is has an applied collar and a turned maple base
plug, and the entire horn exhibits a richly aged patina. Although not a direct
copy, the antler powder measure for this set is modeled after an original piece
dating to 1810, and exhibits whimsical scrimshaw engravings of a flintlock
rifle, anchor, and fish. Taken as a whole, Barker’s attractive bag and horn set
exhibits the appealing character found in museum-quality replicas.
“The CLA,”
says Barker, “has been a great organization for me to meet other artists that I
probably would not have met otherwise. There have been many artists and
collectors that have inspired and challenged me to become more skilled in my
art.”
For more information on the work of Brian Barker, contact
the artist directly at: squirehawk1774@hotmail.com
Copy and photos supplied by CLF.
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