Metalsmithing: An American Tradition Since the Colonies Before Europeans came to our shores, American Indian metalwork was somewhat basic – largely hammering and etching copper into pendants or earrings, or fashioning copper and silver into beads.
Douglas Donaldson, Tea Caddy, c. 1918, Silver enamel and semi-precious stones, Courtesy of Cranbrook Art Museum, R.H. Hensleigh photograph
But in the 1700s and 1800s, the use of metal took off. Indians learned silversmithing from the Spanish, and jewelry arts flourished in the Southwest, with squash blossom necklaces, turquoise inlays, and silver overlays achieving the status of high art.
In the colonies, the traditions and designs of Georgian silver were fully realized and often Americanized by silversmiths like Paul Revere of Boston, and James Getty of Williamsburg. Prior to the Revolutionary War, Revere designed and fabricated flatware, candlesticks and serving pieces that were much in demand.
However, with the economic depression that followed the War, he turned to brass and iron, and supplied over 900 church bells for the burgeoning religious revival in the new United States. He also opened America’s first copper mill, supplying materials for the original dome of the Massachusetts State House, and for sheeting of the hull of the USS Constitution.
In 1849, gold was discovered at Sutter’s Mill, California. The change in America’s future foretold, culminated 20 years later at Promontory, Utah, when the tracks of the Union Pacific and Central Pacific were joined together by the driving of a spike with a golden nugget affixed to its head, altering forever the landscape and face of America.
Metalsmith Tom Joyce gives historical perspective on the notion of “craftmanship of necessity.”
Tom Joyce, metalsmith and MacArthur Foundation genius grant recipient continues a millennia-old tradition of working raw metals into striking public installations - See the Artist’s Bio and Work HERE
We filmed jeweler Jan Yager for the LANDSCAPE episode.
30 Artists who work with Metal are represented in the Exhibition - see the Metal works online HERE
Want to make a tiara from precious metal clay? Download a lesson plan HERE
Many of America’s important Metalsmiths are featured in the Book. Learn more about the Book and where to order HERE
Over 4 hours of video available online. To view a list of all video content click HERE
