Retro Housework Decor – “House Work Is Real Work” Cleaning Wall Sign, 12×

House Work Is Real Work
c. 1960s
Carved & painted poplar relief sign
12 × 5 in
A hand‑carved wooden plaque declares in bold, primary hues—“House Work Is Real Work”—its three‑dimensional letters set against a vivid yellow ground. A tiny painted broom and bucket icon reinforces the tongue‑in‑cheek celebration of domestic labor. The rough‑hewn carving, overlapping brushstrokes and wear at the edges speak to its mid‑century folk‑art roots—where humor and DIY craft converged in kitschy décor for kitchen or laundry rooms.
Although unsigned, the piece typifies the novelty signs sold in American gift shops of the 1960s, blending hand‑crafted charm with pop‑cartoon typography. Its compact size and cheeky message make it both a functional reminder and a collectible artifact of vintage home‑decor humor.
On display at the Disco Freedom Gallery, 818 Hyde Street, San Francisco.