The Legacy of Erna Zarges-Dürr, German Silversmith

Erma Zarges-Dürr: Life and Career

Erna Zarges-Dürr (1907-2002) was a German silversmith whose professional life unfolded across several important centres of metalwork. These included Pforzheim, Leipzig, Berlin, and Stuttgart. Her career reflects both technical excellence and the gradual opening of the applied arts to women in the early twentieth century.

Education and Early Training in German Silver Workshops

Between 1924 and 1927, Zarges-Dürr trained at Bruckmann und Söhne in Heilbronn. She became the first woman to work in the silversmiths’ department there. This milestone marked an important moment in a field traditionally dominated by men. It showcased the perseverance of Erna Zarges-Dürr in her profession.

From 1927 onward, she continued her studies at the Kunstgewerbeschule (School of Design and Crafts) in Pforzheim. There, she trained under Theodor Wende and other influential instructors, developing strong foundations in design, metalworking, and ornament.

Professional Practice and Artistic Development

Between 1931 and 1933, she gained further experience in the workshops of Ernst Treusch in Leipzig and H. Wilm in Berlin. These periods exposed her to different regional approaches to silverwork and contemporary design thinking.

In 1933, she established her own workshop in Heilbronn. A few years later, from 1936 to 1939, she relocated to Stuttgart. Erna Zarges-Dürr’s career in Stuttgart highlighted her ability to produce finely proportioned silver objects. These objects balanced modern sensibilities with restrained decorative detail.

Recognition and International Exhibitions

Her work achieved international recognition during the 1930s. Most notably, she received a gold medal for a silver wine jug shown at the 1937 Paris Exposition Internationale des Arts et Techniques dans la Vie Moderne.

In addition, her silverwork appeared in several international exhibitions. This helped secure her reputation as a skilled and innovative figure in twentieth-century German metal design. Consequently, Erna Zarges-Dürr’s contributions were celebrated globally.

Sources

Byars, M., & Riley, T. (2004). The design encyclopedia. Laurence King Publishing.

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