Key West Artist, Ronny Bailey builds historically acurate replicas of Key West conch houses using original materials. He also offers fine art prints of the Key West houses and Key West house details. Ronny Bailey, Key West, art.

A celebration of Key West cigar makers. Key West cigar makers helped make the cigar industry what it is today. These houses were built in the 1880’s. This one was located in an area called Bario de Gato, for the famous cigar maker Eduardo H. Gato. There is a typical tobacco shipping crate, from Havana of course, on the front porch. Also a cigar rollers work table sits inside the completely finished interior. The sign out front announces what is for sale, “cigaros”. This wood, salvaged from an interior door at least 100 years old showcases a beautiful green patina. Also visible are shades of blue and yellow peaking out beneath the most worn areas. The chicken is approximately 2 inches tall. It is had carved from Dade County Pine and painted to resemble one of the many local Key West chickens.

Inspired by its unusual blue color, the address is well known by local residents. It instantly came to mind when this wood was salvaged. Back in the 1890’s the old houses did not have finished interior walls. It was typical that the interior wood was simply painted. This piece was made with one such board. One side, interior of the house, was blue. The other side, exterior of the house, was white. This material is over 100 years old. The porch is reflective of Ronny’s childhood; sandlot ball games, a red wagon, and the typical pet turtle.

Inspired by classic cottage style, the bright blue patina recalls the colors of the near shore waters. Many of the local cottages were built to house the work force of spongers and fisherman. Yellowtail snapper are caught year round. Back in the day, locally caught seafood was readily available for sale.

Inspired by an old black and white, James Mitchell photo found in a local contractor’s office. This is a unique Key West Eyebrow style house that had a one-of-a-kind front door. It is located across from the historical Key West Cemetery. Many years ago it housed the stonecutter who carved many of the grave markers located across the street. Now re-numbered as 715 Frances St, most of the old lines of this historical house are still present. This is the largest of Ronny’s reproductions. The wood on the outside of the house is estimated to be over 120 years old. This was discovered underneath an outer layer of siding on an old house that has since been demolished. All wood on this house has its original patina. Even the tiny green pieces that make up the shutters .The roof is crafted from salvaged tin over 80 years old. The same metal was also used to craft the chair, the porch light and the mailbox. The chickens are carved from Dade County Pine, but these are painted to resemble the local Key West Chickens. The depth of this piece has allowed the artist to re create an interior dining room and living area, even a staircase to the 2nd floor. All interior items in the house are still either hand crafted from old wood or metal. There is even a mini Mario Sanchez reproduction hanging on the wall

Inspired by an old conch house, still like back in the day. The colors of the wood used are a perfect match to what you would see driving by the house today. Even the old bottles displayed in the window are typical for what can be found around our island. The “laundry house” recalls many a memory from back in a simple time.

Inspired by front porch conversations with a good friend. This is Sammy’s house. This is a typical afternoon spot, a comfortable front porch with a comfortable chair. The wood used for the porch boards actually came from the house that once stood next door.