Hallmark "Barrel-Back Rider" Christmas Ornament, 1995

THF189454 / Hallmark "Barrel-Back Rider" Christmas Ornament, 1995
01

Artifact Overview

Already known for greeting cards, Hallmark introduced a line of Christmas ornaments in 1973. The company's annual release of an increasing array of ornaments revolutionized Christmas decorating, appealing to customers' interest in marking memories and milestones as well as expressing one's personality and unique tastes.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Christmas tree ornament

Date Made

1995

Creator Notes

Designed by John Collin Francis Hallmark Cards, Inc. in Kansas City, Missouri. Made in Sri Lanka.

Object ID

2019.65.1857

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Plastic
Cardboard

Color

Multicolored

Inscriptions

on back of ornament: Collins on front of packaging: KEEPSAKE / ORNAMENT / Barrel-Back Rider / Sculpted by John Francis / ARTISTS' FAVORITES on back of packaging: Handcrafted - Dated 1995 / When artist John Francis was eight years old, he / visited his cousin's ranch near Ten Sleep, Wyoming. / There he found a barrel-horse swing hanging between / two big, old cottonwood trees. "I was a city kid, and / that was as mean a horse as I could ever stay on!" he / laughs. He's designed the bear on this swing to / resemble a favorite stuffed animal from childhood. / "Barrel-Back Rider" is included in a group of / ornaments called "Artists' Favorites." These deisngs / reflect the personal interests and memories of the / artists who create them. Look for the artist's signature, / "Collin," on this ornament. on top of packaging: Hallmark