antique American flags and banners

The Stars and Stripes as Folk Art

Filed under: Art

Flag Day is June 14, but don't even think of waving one of Jeff Bridgman's antique flags. Until recently, most people didn't consider antique flags folk art or even just plain art. But the public is waking up to the idea that these graphic, early American textiles are not just for history buffs. "I see a definite new trend, an increased awareness of antique flags as decorative objects," says Bridgman, both a collector and dealer. Today, flag design is set in stone, but in the 19th century there was no official design. Flags could have any shape, any pattern. As Bridgman's collection shows, they could be as fanciful or whimsical as the artist wished.

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Tags: antique American flags and banners, flag day, flags, jeff bridgman, memorabilia, political campaign textiles