The 20th Century. The Arts and Crafts and related styles, such as the more decorative Art Nouveau, were well rooted in America by the beginning of the century. Pitch molds made from relief-carved patterns had become common in America. The carving tool marks could be accentuated in these patterns in keeping with current vogue. Open-grained woods, such as mahogany, were often chosen so that the finished composition ornaments would have a wood-like grain that showed through stains and varnishes. A uniquely 20th century application of composition ornament was in the lavishly decorated movie palaces of the Depression era.

Shown is the contemporary studio of J.P. Weaver Company. It has manufactured and sold architectural composition ornament continuously since 1917. Photo: Lenna Tyler Kast.

As interest in architectural embellishments declined, particularly as a result of the austere post-World War II styles, so did the composition trade. Many old firms went out of business and their molds were dispersed or destroyed. The few that remained concentrated on restoration projects or were sustained by diversification into other materials. By the 1950s and 60s, composition as a material and craft had been all but forgotten.

An upsurge in hand craft production that started in the late 60s and has continued to the present-as well as increasing interest in historic preservation-has led to the renewed study of old methods and materials, including composition. The few manufacturers that remain have seen a large increase in their business, and an increasing number of people recognize composition as a unique ornamental material and want to conserve, restore, or create it.