Shotguns as Art

[Brad Bachelder]

Beginning Feb 3rd and running for a month, the Grand Rapids Art Museum, is running an exposition on collectibles. Featured in that exposition is a display of seven vintage Doubles from the turn of the century; fully restored, from different American manufacturers. High grade, engraved showing six different types of Damascus. It occurred to me that the average non-gun person has no idea what quality Doubles looked like 100 years ago.

When the Museum approached me I said, Heck yes. The staff was blown away by how gorgeous these were with an immense appreciation for the Art and craftsmanship. I can't wait to hear the reactions from the general public.
I will post pictures and reactions as soon as available.

[Eric Eis]

That's great Brad, it should be interesting to hear what the reaction is to the displays.

[Paul Ehlers]

What an awesome idea!

Will look forward to seeing the pictures.

[Robin Lewis]

Do you know if they will they have their display(s) viewable from the web? If so, can you post a link for us?

[Bill Holcombe]

And here I was hoping you were going to post a pic of my 12 gauge barrels your redoing! :)

You actually made me wish I lived up there rather than in Texas for a moment

[Brad Bachelder]

Bill
They look too good. I did not want to overshadow the others. You don't want to be in Michigan, Burrrrr.

Brad

[Richard Flanders]

That museum display would make a great article for the NRA monthly mag.

[John Campbell]

Both Mr. Bachelder and the Grand Rapids Art Museum have touched upon the crux of double gun appreciation: They are as much the embodiment of art and craft as they are instruments of sport. Probably more.

And the higher the "grade," the more art and craft are an integral part of their personas.

Kudos to both Brad and the Museum!

[Dean Romig]

Now THAT'S the kind of good press the firearms community needs!

Thanks for being a big part of it Brad. There are probably several websites, like Damascusknowledge, the PGCA, AHFCA, and others that folks visiting the display might be interested in to further their knowledge and interest in these old works of art.






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[Rich Anderson]

A great concept and positive gun press....priceless:)

[Bill Murphy]

Brad, does this mean that you will not "bail out" the way many Damascus refinishers have over the last decade?

[Michael D Hankinson]

Will be there this coming Tuesday to review the collection. This exhibit covers many unique collections besides the "Doubles", will be interesting to just observe people viewing the firearms portion of this exhibit.

[Brad Bachelder]

Bill

No plans on bailing. In fact I have a highly trained crew of four craftsmen dedicated to Barrel refinishing. My son Parker is my head apprentice and has learned the entire process including the secret formulas, to ensure that the
process survives me.

Brad

[Brad Bachelder]

Lori and I along with the staff attended the Museum opener. The place was packed. I was concerned that so few guns would show well. The museum staff did a great job with the display and gave us the prominent spot in the room. They were very proud over the guns present. I must admit that I was worried over the possible reaction to guns in the Art world, I was pleasantly surprised with what people had to say. I feel that we were able to present a strong counterpoint to non-gun owners and a true appreciation for guns as Art.

[Mills Morrison]

That looks like a great display. Thank you, Brad, for representing us gun owners so well

[Robin Lewis]

What Mills said! Well done.

[Dean Romig]

We would be hard-pressed to find a better representative for "Guns as Art."






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[Jim DiSpagno]

Kudos to the entire Bachelder team and especially to Brad for taking the time and effort to promote this view of our passion.Many, many thanks. Jim

[Dave Suponski]

Awesome job Brad. Thank You! :bowdown:

[Gary Carmichael Sr]

Brad, Good to see these guns can represent the work of artisans over 100 years ago, albeit the canvas was steel, the engravers left their mark for history, Gary

[Brian Dudley]

The Museum did a great job by the look of it in displaying the guns. It is nice to see them have such dedicated treatment.

My educational background consists of a Bachelors of Science in Studio Art and my concentration was in Ceramics. But I have ample experience in drawing, painting, sculpture and graphic design. For me, my work on these guns is an outlet for my creativity and artistic ability. So I fully agree with the idea of these firearms being looked at as art and recognized as such.

[Dean Romig]

Wow Brian, did you have something in the display also? Nice!






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[Brian Dudley]

No... why would you say that???
i am simply saying that i can personally relate to the idea of gunbuilding as art.

[Dean Romig]

Ok, sorry. I misunderstood.




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[Garth Gustafson]

I'll bet most viewers of that collection are only familiar with black guns. And they probably have a Dana Carvey opinion of firearms in general (Scary!).

I hope showing these fine examples of American craftsmanship and beautiful Damascus barrels up close and personal makes people realize that not all guns are assault weapons. Thank You Brad!

[Michael D Hankinson]

Finally got to the Grand Rapids Art Museum today to see the Exhibit. Great examples of exceptional Damascus barrel doubles. I liked the old H&R as much as the Parker, but all were very interesting. The exhibit as a whole was very interesting as well.

Thanks to Brad for a great exhibit