-One-Story House- still bank 1927

This cast iron still bank, in the shape of a one-story house, was manufactured by the Kenton Hardware Manufacturing Company, sometime between 1890 and 1950. You can see how the form is a direct expression of its industrial origins. Molten iron would have been poured into a mold, allowed to cool, and then removed. The seams of the mold are still visible. The repetitive patterns of the roof tiles and windows were easily achieved through this process of serial production, which also hints at the social context of this work – mass-produced objects made for the mass market, as affordable commodities. The final result has a satisfying heft, and a tactile, slightly rough surface that speaks to the nature of the material. The color, a warm reddish-brown, is also inherent to the iron. Recognizing this bank as more than just a functional object or a nostalgic toy allows us to appreciate the skill and design that went into its making, blurring the lines between craft, design, and industry.