George H. Bacon was born in 1861 in Burlington, Vermont. Many consider George to be one of the most collectible and valued of all Vermont carvers.
As an adult, George was employed by the Blodgett Oven Co. of Burlington, Vermont. He was an avid waterfowler and fisherman, and plied his hobby on Lake Champlain near the Vermont border. As a market hunter, he was also busy carving his own decoys, as large spreads were necessary to lure ducks. He was also employed during the duck season as a guide on Lake Champlain and routinely guided many of the officers and directors of the Oven Company. His carving expertise improved to the point that he sold his decoys locally and to many of the “sports” he guided.
Subject ID: 75885
MoreGeorge H. Bacon was born in 1861 in Burlington, Vermont. Many consider George to be one of the most collectible and valued of all Vermont carvers.
As an adult, George was employed by the Blodgett Oven Co. of Burlington, Vermont. He was an avid waterfowler and fisherman, and plied his hobby on Lake Champlain near the Vermont border. As a market hunter, he was also busy carving his own decoys, as large spreads were necessary to lure ducks. He was also employed during the duck season as a guide on Lake Champlain and routinely guided many of the officers and directors of the Oven Company. His carving expertise improved to the point that he sold his decoys locally and to many of the “sports” he guided.
It has been written that that Bacon’s simple smooth style and paint, his characteristic wedge shaped heads with rounded puffy cheeks, small glass eyes and tear drop weight and leather anchor loop identified his decoys. Very few were branded or signed by the carver! It is also documented that Bacon’s style had influenced William J. Mason in his factory production in Detroit, Michigan in the 1890’s. Many have confirmed that Bacon used a course whisk brush to apply featheration on the decoy’s backs.
Subject ID: 75885
Subject ID: 75885