-Workhorse- still bank c. 1910

Editor: Right in front of us we have -Workhorse- still bank, created around 1910 by the Arcade Manufacturing Company. It's a metal sculpture, quite small, and…I find its simple realism charming. It gives off such an earnest, sturdy vibe. What story do you think this little horse is trying to tell? Curator: Ah, isn't it wonderful? To me, it whispers tales of childhood nostalgia and simpler times. Back then, saving money, even pennies, was imbued with such gravity, a lesson learned early, with this horse serving as both teacher and treasure chest. What does that slightly worn paint suggest to you? Editor: Well, I imagine lots of kids handled it! It’s lovely to think about how many little savings goals this horse helped to realize. It’s amazing it survived at all! How does its functionality – being a bank – play into its artistic value? Curator: Precisely! Function shapes form, don't you think? The very fact it *was* a functional object, a toy, even, gives it such enduring appeal. To create something beautiful that serves a purpose - that's ingenious! A utilitarian sculpture holding dreams inside, eh? Do you suppose children gave him a name? Editor: They absolutely did! Thinking about it as folk art, connected to the everyday…it makes me appreciate it even more. Thanks for highlighting that. Curator: And thank you for noticing the "realism"; these pieces weren't meant to be fancy or groundbreaking; it's the common touch, the humble beauty that resonates so deeply! I learned something myself today, thanks!