A metalsmith is an artisan who creates useful objects from diverse metals. It entails shaping metal with a hammer, refining metals from their ores, casting it into various forms, and filing it to the desired dimensions. Smith and related surnames are typical occupational surnames.
Typically, the term metalsmith refers to artisans and craftspeople who work with various metals, including gold, copper, and silver. Numerous universities offer degree programmes in metalsmithing, jewellery, enamelling, and blacksmithing as a part of their fine arts departments.
Metalsmith Artisans Worldwide
More Metalsmiths
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Gundorph Albertus: Danish Silversmith and Designer Extraordinaire
Gundorph Albertus, the renowned Danish silversmith and designer, left an indelible mark on the world of silver craftsmanship. Working for Georg Jensen A/S, he is best known for his iconic creations, the Cactus and Mitra flatware patterns. This blog post explores Albertus’s early life, education, and illustrious career, highlighting his notable achievements and contributions. From…
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Fred G. Minuth (1884 – 1966) American Silversmith
Fred G. Minuth, an American silversmith, co-established the Frank S. Boyden Co, later the Boyden-Minuth Co, in Chicago in 1903. The company, still in operation, produced ecclesiastical objects, jewellery, and silver trophies.Read More →
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Flemming Eskildsen (b.1930) Danish designer and Silversmith
In 1958 Eskildsen joined the Georg Jensen design department making designs for flatware, jewellery and hollowware. He became the foreman of the design department in 1962.Read More →
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Peter Raacke (b.1928) German metalworker and designer
Hessische Metallwerke commissioned Raacke to produce metal cutlery, kitchen equipment, and cookware, most notably his “Mono-a” line (v-33), with silverware available in stainless steel and sterling silver.Read More →
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Masterful Craftsmanship and Modern Ornamentation: The Legacy of Erna Zarges-Dürr, German Silversmith
Erna Zarges-Dürr (1907-2002) was a German silversmith. She was professionally active Pforzheim, Leipzig, Berlin. and Stuttgart. Between 1924-27, she trained at Bruckmann und Söhne, Heilbronn, as the first women in the silversmiths’ department. From 1927, she studied at the Kunstgewerbeschule, Pforzheim, under Theodor Wende and others. Read More →
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Albert Reimann (1874 – 1971) German metalworker and educator
Albert and his wife Klara Reimann founded the Schülerwerkstatten für Kleinplastik (School for Small Sculpture) in Berlin in 1902. Reimann was a gifted craftsman who created prototypes to produce bronze, copper, silver, gold, and pottery. Read More →
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Jean Dunand: A Master of Sculpture, Metalwork, and Lacquer Artistry
Jean Dunand is a Swiss sculptor, metalworker, and artisan. He was born in 1877 in La Chaux-de-Fonds and died on the 27th of December 1942.Read More →
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Johan Rohde (1856 – 1935) Danish Architect & Designer
He was born in Randers, where he graduated from grammar school in 1875 and studied medicine before turning to art and painting. In 1882, he enrolled in the Academy after studying privately with Wenzel Torne.Read More →
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Dagobert Peche (1887 – 1923) Austrian artist and designer
He devised wholly new, amusing forms, frequently in simple materials like tole and cardboard; the conditions caused by World War I dictated the use of low-cost raw materials. Read More →
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Albert Paley (b.1944) American modernist metal sculptor
Albert Paley (born 1944) is an American modernist metal sculptor. Starting as a jeweller, he has evolved into one of the world’s most renowned and famous metalsmiths. Furniture, gates, railings, and staircases are among his creations. He consults with architects and space planners, and he leads a team of craftspeople in his Rochester, New York,…
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Bernard Instone: Master Silversmith and Enameller (1891-1987)
British silversmith Bernard Instone, born in 1891, revolutionized jewelry design with his enameled silver work, blending traditional techniques with individual creativity. His legacy continues to inspire artisans today.Read More →
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Edward Spenser (1872 – 1938) British metalworker
Edward Spenser (1872 – 1938) was a British metalworker, silversmith, and jeweller. He was professionally active in London. Spencer was a junior designer at the Artificers’ Guild. When Montague Fordham took over the Guild in 1903, Spenser became chief designer. Read More →
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Paul Haustein – Versatile Master of the Decorative Arts
Paul Haustein, born in 1880, gained fame through his versatile skills, such as enamelwork and metalworking. He worked for prestigious companies, taught metalworking, and his innovative design, like his lauded Art Deco tureen, influenced design movements significantly.Read More →
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Wiwen Nilsson (1897 – 1974) Swedish Silver Designer
Swedish Silver Designer Wiwen Nilsson (1897-1974), known for simplicity and elegance in his work, made notable contributions to art and design. He extensively trained in renowned art spaces, and his art has won several accolades.Read More →
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Arne Petersen (1922 – 2002) Danish Metalworker
At the Copenhagen firm C.C. Herman, Petersen learnt silver and goldsmithing methods. He joined the Georg Jensen Solvsmedie in 1948 and worked in the hollow-ware department until 1976. His 1975 Bottle Opener, made of stainless steel soldered with brass, received a lot of attention. Read More →
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Alessandro Mazzucotelli (1865–1938), Italian metalsmith
Alessandro Mazzucotelli (1865-1938) was an Italian metalsmith known for his exceptional craftsmanship and innovative designs. He blended traditional techniques with modern sensibilities, creating intricate details and bold geometric shapes that were ahead of their time. Despite his success, he remained humble and dedicated to his craft until he died in 1938. His legacy lives on…
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Sigurd Persson (1914 – 2003) Swedish metalworker & glassware designer
Sigurd Persson (1914–2003) was a Swedish sculptor, blacksmith, and professor who is regarded as one of the twentieth century’s most influential Swedish designers. Growing up in a goldsmith family, Persson founded his studio in Stockholm in 1942. Throughout his long career, he crafted objects in various materials ranging from metal to glass to plastic. Read…
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Raymond Subes (1893 – 1970), French metalsmith
Raymond Subes (1893–1970) was a French metalsmith. He made ironwork for the oceanliners 1931 Atlantique, 1926 Ile-de-France, Pasteur, and 1935 Normandie. After World War II, he worked as a metalworker and became the head of Borderel et Robert.Read More →
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Douglas Donaldson (1882 – 1972) American Metalworker
Donaldson taught design, metalwork and jewellery at numerous schools in and near Los Angeles, including his first position, director of manual arts, Throop Polytechnic (succeeded by Rudolph Schaeffer). Subsequently, he was a teacher at the new Chouinard School of Art and head of the art department, Los Angeles Manual Arts High School. Read More →
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Discovering the Wonders of Metalsmiths Around the World
A metalsmith is an artisan who creates useful objects from diverse metals. It entails shaping metal with a hammer, refining metals from their ores, casting it into various forms, and filing it to the desired dimensions. Smith and related surnames are typical occupational surnames. Read More →