Witco Decor Tropical Tiki Glam Alligator Bench, Stool, Polychrome Sculpture 1958

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Witco Decor Tropical Tiki Glam Alligator Bench, Stool, Polychrome Sculpture 1958

About the Item

Witco Decor Tropical Tiki Glam Alligator Bench, Stool, Polychrome Sculpture c. 1958- early 1960’s. Gorgeous piece, all original, polychromed, Hand-carved and hand-painted In 1958, a small importing company named Western International Trading Co. was founded in Washington State. Tropical style had taken over the United States, and there were tropical-themed bars, restaurants and even bowling alleys nationwide. Founders of Western International Trading Co (or Witco, as it’s more commonly known today) William Westenhaver, Robert Cookson and William’s cousin Robert Post Jr. started by importing art and mosaics from South and Central America, as well as paintings and sculptural art from lesser known American artists. But soon, William Westenhaver suggested they make their own tropical-inspired wood carvings. By the end of 1958, after a furniture and decor show in Los Angeles, the carved wood decor was a hit across the country. The artists started carving, crafting and creating furnishings that represented the Post WWII ideal of the South Pacific and ‘tropical culture.’ Soon, Witco took off and became synonymous with the ‘luxurious’ Tropical / Hawaiiana / Tiki style. Witco reached the height of its popularity in the early to mid 1960s before shuttering a decade later. Mid-Century ‘Tiki’ Chic: After traveling through the Polynesian islands, a man named Donn Beach brought tropical flair and Polynesian culture to the states to create a one-of-a-kind experience. Beach started a restaurant and bar, called “Don the Beachcomber,” in the 1930s. After it became a hit, many of these upscale restaurants opened up all across the country. Tiki statues were placed outside of these restaurants, often in the form of torches and later became a symbol of the restaurants and a symbol of tiki culture. By the early 1960’s, the Tiki style had taken over the United States and was synonymous with luxury and a serene escape from the booming economy and capitalist consumerism of the Post WWII era. Celebrities of the time were extremely fond of the "Tiki" style. The King himself, Elvis, filled his famed ‘Den’ (aka the Jungle Room) with Witco furnishings and home goods to create an out-of-this-world "tropical' experience. (You can still see the room for yourself on a tour of his home, Graceland!).

Creator:
Witco (Designer),William Westenhaver / Witco (Designer)
Dimensions:
Height: 17 in (43.18 cm)Width: 39 in (99.06 cm)Depth: 17 in (43.18 cm)
Materials and Techniques:
Wood,Hand-Carved,Hand-Painted
Place of Origin:
United States
Period:
Mid-20th Century
Date of Manufacture:
1950s
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use. Minor losses. Minor fading.
Seller Location:
Brooklyn, NY
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU4190325742212