TL;DR
The American Wood Column Corporation, a nearly 110-year-old business specializing in ornamental woodwork, is closing due to aging staff and difficulties sourcing materials. The closure marks the end of a rare craft in the U.S.
The American Wood Column Corporation has announced it will close its doors after more than a century in business, citing the retirement of its aging staff and difficulties sourcing key materials. The company, based in New York City, has been a notable supplier of ornamental woodwork for historic restorations and film productions.
Founded in 1916 by Thomas Lupo’s grandfather, the company has specialized in creating ornate columns, moldings, and decorative elements from a mixture called compo, a blend of sawdust, glue, and whiting. The business has remained largely unchanged in appearance and operation, with a two-story brick warehouse on Grand Street serving as its base of production and display.
Thomas Lupo, the current president and CEO, announced that after 51 years in the industry, he and his team of four craftsmen plan to retire, leading to the company’s closure. The decision is driven primarily by the advanced age of the staff and increasing difficulty in sourcing ingredients like hide glue, a traditional adhesive now only available at a premium.
Despite a decline in demand—particularly from high-end residential renovations—the company has maintained steady work for film and television productions, including sets for “The Gilded Age,” and historic restorations such as the Kings Theater in Brooklyn. However, these projects are no longer enough to sustain the business long-term.
Implications for Historic Architectural Preservation
The closure of the American Wood Column Corporation signifies a loss of a rare, traditional craft that has contributed to historic preservation and period-specific restorations across the U.S. It highlights the challenges faced by small manufacturing firms specializing in niche, artisanal work amid changing market preferences and supply chain issues.
This event underscores the broader decline in demand for ornate architectural features in favor of modern, minimalist designs, which could impact future restoration projects that rely on authentic craftsmanship. The loss of such a long-standing business also raises concerns about the preservation of traditional manufacturing skills and techniques.
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Historical Role of the American Wood Column Corporation
Established in 1916, the company has operated through significant periods of American history, including the Great Depression, World War II, and modern urban development. It has supplied ornamental woodwork for notable projects such as the Kings Theater in Brooklyn, Ralph Lauren store displays, and even props for films like “The Godfather.”
Over the decades, the demand for such detailed craftsmanship has waned, with many clients opting for cheaper, mass-produced alternatives. The company’s reliance on niche materials like hide glue has also become increasingly problematic as sourcing becomes more expensive and limited.
“If I didn’t own the building, I would have been out of business years ago.”
— Thomas Lupo
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Unclear Future of Ornamental Woodcraft Skills
It is not yet clear whether any other companies in the U.S. will continue producing compo-based ornamentation or if new artisans will emerge to fill the gap left by the American Wood Column Corporation’s closure. The future of this traditional craft remains uncertain, with few successors or training programs available.
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Next Steps for the Company and Industry
The company plans to wind down operations in the coming months, with the remaining staff retiring and inventory being sold or transferred. The closure may prompt preservation efforts or the documentation of the craft, but it is unlikely that a direct replacement will emerge soon. Industry observers suggest that the decline of such specialized firms reflects broader shifts toward modern building materials and design preferences.
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Key Questions
Why is the American Wood Column Corporation closing?
The company is closing due to the retirement of its aging staff and increasing difficulties sourcing traditional materials like hide glue, making continued operation unsustainable.
What kind of work did the company do?
They specialized in creating ornamental woodwork such as columns, moldings, medallions, and decorative elements used in historic restorations, film sets, and custom projects.
Will there be other companies doing similar work?
It is uncertain. The company is believed to be one of the last in the U.S. practicing this craft, and no immediate successors are known to be continuing the tradition.
How significant is this closure for historic preservation?
It represents a significant loss of artisanal craftsmanship critical to restoring and maintaining historic buildings, with broader implications for preserving traditional manufacturing skills.
Source: Curbed
