Industrial Folk Art of Abraham Megerdichian
By Frank E. Bradley | SPECIAL TO THE CITY JOURNAL at January 26, 2024 | 5:15 pm | Print
The New Britain Industrial Museum’s current exhibit of metal miniatures made by Abraham Megerdichian will be closing on Saturday Jan. 28; a presentation on the life and work of the artist will be given at 1 p.m. in the museum at 185 Main St.
“Art” has been defined as the expression or application of human creative skill and imagination that results in works created to be appreciated primarily for their beauty or emotional power. Fine Art has a defining aesthetic and is the result of years of study and acquired skill; Folk Art has no defining aesthetic, tends to be decorative, and is a result of a person’s need to create not their formal training in the visual arts. When highly skilled people working in factories use the materials at hand to create decorative objects, the NBIM calls the result Industrial Folk Art.
Abraham Megerdichian (1923-1983) was a trained machinist living and working in Massachusetts. In his 30’s Abraham began machining his interpretations of everyday objects from scrap blocks of aluminum, brass, copper and stainless steel. His earliest items were utilitarian, domestic, full size and included handles, knives, letter openers, candle snuffers, ashtrays, vases, pots, door knockers, salt and pepper shakers, a soap dish, a rolling pin of solid aluminum, a lawn sprinkler, and tools. As his technical proficiency increased his pieces became more intricate, smaller, and often included many small parts. Among these items created to please and amuse were jewelry, doll house furniture, a cash register, a miniature vacuum cleaner, a tool box with individual tools, toy trucks, cars and a train set. During his work life Mr. Megerdichian created over 400 objects, a number of which will be on view until the exhibit closes on Saturday, Jan. 28. Mr. Megerdichian’s work is owned by his family and his son Robert will be on hand the 28th to talk about the collection and his Father’s work and life.
Questions about the exhibit can be answered by calling the Industrial Museum at 860-832-8654. The Industrial Museum is located at 185 Main Street in the CCSU/ITBD building and is open Tuesday, Thursdays and Fridays from 2-5 p.m., Wednesdays from 12-5 p.m. and Saturdays from 10-4 p.m.. Parking is available on the street, in the Municipal lot adjacent to the CCSU building and in the Municipal Garage with entrances on Chestnut and Bank Streets. Parking is Free on Saturdays. The Museum is on Facebook and has a website: www.nbindustrial.org.
