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Tom Tru, distributed by Raymor

pam kueber - Updated: January 13, 2020

Retro Renovation stopped publishing in 2021; these stories remain for historical information, as potential continued resources, and for archival purposes.

tom tru I have discovered Tom Tru. Searching around on the google, I find anecdotal information: The company, Tom Tru Corp., was based in Lambertville, New Jersey. One site says that the company’s mid century pop art work was distributed by Raymor. Media included: Tiles, canvas prints, silkscreen wall hangings, painted (?) wood blocks. One thread said Robert Bushong (signed “R. Bushong) created wall hangings for the company. Above: That’s a Robert Bushong print — on canvas, framed in aluminum — created for Tom Tru, of Lambertville, NJ. For sale from ebay seller moderndecodence (thanks for permission to show the photo) — (link now expired) — along with the orb-shaped Nivico sound sphere speakers. A very big round <3

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  1. Sara says

    Can any of you tell me if this ebay listing was really designed for Tom Tru? http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=181039106773 The artist is Robert Bushon, NOT Bushong. Any information about this wall hanging would be appreciated if you know something. I own one and cannot find anything about this artist. There are no other markings, but appears to have been a cloth tag attached into the wood on the back that was cut off.

    • mark says

      Hello Sara –

      This piece certainly has the feel of an early Bushong work. A little more than a year ago, there was a close-woven linen tapestry like this one on eBay, using a similar palette and signed “Robert R. Bushong.” Again like this piece, it had a title, off at stage left: “Sleeping Sloops.” Sadly, there’s no authoritative work on the history and output of Tom Tru, but this certainly does look like an early Tom Tru. Classic mid-century style –

  2. Tonya P. says

    Howdy Folks,

    I had a little time while off from work and started to research various items that my grandmother and her sister have given me over the years.

    I have what I believe is a J. Bushong work. Its hard to describe (lol)…its large, the initials R.B. are in the bottom left hand corner, white/dark blue/light blue background, abscract(ous) orange/blue/ white/red flowers in a white bowl, Tom Tru is stamped on the back/wood bars at the top and bottom.

    thanks in advance,

    tonya

    • mark says

      Values are slippery with Tom Tru. Over the past year, I’ve seen them go for anywhere between $100-400 on eBay and elsewhere. Because they’re screenprinted rather than originals, the value depends more on eye appeal and condition. There are a handful on eBay right now that demonstrate this point. That said, Bushong appears to be more collectable than Tom Tru. Check this one out: http://www.ebay.com/itm/American-Listed-Signed-Robert-Bushong-Painting-on-Linen-Mid-Century-FlowerPower-/320922897708

      Bushong liked his flora. I haven’t seen anything he signed only with initials, but if your piece is stamped Tom Tru, too, the odds are high that it’s his work. I’d love to see a pic.

      • Tonya p. says

        Thank you all for the advice.

        Mark,

        There is a Tom Tru stamp on he back of the painting.

        Thanks

        Tonya

      • Emma says

        I don’t see a Bushong signature (nor anyone else’s). The back has a hand numbered 714 / 5186 and a small red metal rectangle with “tom tru” printed on it.

        • mark says

          I have this boating scene, too! It looks great in my front hall. There’s another on eBay right now. It’s overpriced at $250, considering its water damage. Yours is beautiful. I hope it finds a good home, if you don’t want it. It’s not by Bushong, but designed by the Tom Tru staff following a similar work by him — one which he did sign. Since the art used by Tru was mostly freelance work for hire, any modifications to the original designs meant that the signature was dropped. Another of their artists, Nick Cann (he’s still around! http://www.nickcann.com) remained anonymous, since his work was colorized by the staff. Bushong’s original treatment of boats at night was on eBay last year, and sold for about $100. Bushong was a genius, but the Tru staff created a superior, more memorable image. You have a work of striking beauty. It’s one of my favorite Trus, along with Francine’s sunflowers.

  4. Emma says

    I was glad to find this via google. I married a widower and am putting some of my own items around. I came across a Tom Tru Sail Boating print. Hubby has no idea where they got it. His wife was an industrial artist and was likely very aware of its value when she purchased it. It’s in wonderful condition, but really doesn’t fit it with the rest of my items.

    • mark says

      Hey Emma, I wouldn’t mind seeing a picture of that Tru boating print. I have one myself, about 5′ long and 2′ high, in blue and aqua. Boats at harbor, at night.

  6. Wendy says

    Bobby Bushong was very talented. My father was president of Raymor and many years ago introduced me to him. The name Truhaft definitely rings a bell. Not sure if I met them or not. We used to have some of Bobby’s work in our house many years ago as well. Not sure what happned to it.

  8. Dorothy says

    My husband worked at Tom Tru in Lambertville in the 60’s, It was owned by Beth and Bernie Truhaft . We used to have quite a few of Bobby’s prints but no more. I would love to find one as a gift for my husband.

    • mark says

      There’s so little information on Tom Tru. I’ve had a beautiful piece since I was a little kid growing up in the 70s. It’s a 4′ square screenprint of a green sun on a blue background. Recently I’ve been trying to research Tru. Do you or your husband have any more background you can share?

        • Wendy says

          Actually, it’s probably easiest if you contact me at wendykate99 at yahoo dot com. I’ll help out with info where I can.

          I’d greatly appreciate any leads on Bushong prints anyone might have.

          Thanks!

    • Caralen Holley says

      I have Tom Tru mirror. It has shades of red around frame and only about an eight by eight of regular mirror left in the center without paint. Do you and your husband remember this piece?

  10. Diana of Mt. Lebanon, PA says

    We have a large floral silkscreen wall hanging by Tom Tru; we purchased it at a local mid-mod antique store. It is the centerpiece of our family room now. I am looking for more Tom Tru because it seems to be relatively unknown (though maybe not as much as I suspected). And, I agree, there isn’t much information out there on Tom Tru.