Locks have been created in boring, plain, mechanical fashion, solely for the purpose of security with no thought or care to the art world. After all, lies are a means of privacy and protection, which doesn’t usually bring art to mind. However, many designs of the lock would make a locksmith proud to say he’s a part of the lock world. Decorative locks can create quite a stir in displays for businesses and homes alike. Part of the allure of certain pieces of furniture is the design of the lock.
Art and creativity have improved the looks of the functional lock as well as the decorative lock. Improving the looks also boosted popularity and sales. There are combination locks now that make school children quite happy. Locks that light up, bright colors, and interesting shapes have enhanced school supply shopping for both mothers and children.
The craft of the locksmith is an art in itself. But the locks’ artistic improvements elevated the recognition of the makers of those locks and the locksmiths who must know how to work them. Making the locks look better didn’t improve memory. People still forget where they put keys, lose their keys, and forget their combinations.
There is also art in the photographs, clip art, stationery, and historical documents related to locksmithing. Paintings, posters, and ancient memorabilia make the locksmith and his equipment an interesting part of the art. Locks are found in pictures that don’t even focus on locksmiths or locks. Locks contribute to history and genealogy. You’ll see locks in historical references to churches, old general stores, and banks.
There’s an art in the business cards and advertisements the locksmiths use. There’s also art in the key blanks, which have become quite decorative. There’s an art in the colors and designs, and even in the bright key tags, you can place on your keys.
Keys are now manufactured with Disney characters, cartoon characters, football team logos, American flags, and animals. Locksmiths must stay in tune with what sells in today’s society to enhance their businesses and draw the youth’s attention.
Chinese locks are art pieces because of their unusual opening procedures. Their shapes make them interesting, but they’re functional as well. The craftsmanship is outstandingly artistic. The French have some creative designs in their locks as well. Sometimes the artwork is not necessarily in the lock itself but in the framework around the lock.
There is also artwork in the locks of old as well as the locksmith tools of old. Antique tools add to the museums’ quality giving credit due to the craftsmen who created the tools. Sometimes art is not recognized as such until it becomes a part of what is considered ancient. There is artistic quality in the locksmiths of old as well. Houdini was a famous locksmith who awed the public with his antics and magical quality to picking locks in his escape routines. He brought a flair to the art world as well as the locksmith world. Art is like beauty; it is in the eye of the beholder.
