William Spratling
American, 1900 - 1967
William Spratling (1900-1967) was an American designer and silversmith who is best known for his work in reviving the silver industry in Taxco, Mexico. Spratling was born in Sonyea, New York, and attended the University of Cincinnati, where he studied architecture.
In the 1920s, Spratling began traveling to Mexico, where he became interested in the country's rich artistic traditions. In 1929, he settled in the small town of Taxco, where he founded a silver workshop and began producing jewelry, flatware, and other decorative objects. He employed local artisans and incorporated pre-Columbian motifs into his designs, creating a distinct style that was both modern and rooted in Mexico's cultural heritage.
Spratling's work quickly gained popularity, attracting the attention of wealthy collectors and celebrities such as Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera. He also became a mentor to a generation of young Mexican artists and designers, including Hector Aguilar and Antonio Pineda.
After World War II, the demand for Spratling's designs declined, and he was forced to close his workshop in 1956. He returned to the United States, where he continued to design jewelry and other objects until his death in 1967.
Today, Spratling is recognized as a pioneering figure in the Mexican Silver Renaissance, and his designs continue to be highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts.
In the 1920s, Spratling began traveling to Mexico, where he became interested in the country's rich artistic traditions. In 1929, he settled in the small town of Taxco, where he founded a silver workshop and began producing jewelry, flatware, and other decorative objects. He employed local artisans and incorporated pre-Columbian motifs into his designs, creating a distinct style that was both modern and rooted in Mexico's cultural heritage.
Spratling's work quickly gained popularity, attracting the attention of wealthy collectors and celebrities such as Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera. He also became a mentor to a generation of young Mexican artists and designers, including Hector Aguilar and Antonio Pineda.
After World War II, the demand for Spratling's designs declined, and he was forced to close his workshop in 1956. He returned to the United States, where he continued to design jewelry and other objects until his death in 1967.
Today, Spratling is recognized as a pioneering figure in the Mexican Silver Renaissance, and his designs continue to be highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts.
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William Spratling
Pair William Spratling (1900 - 1967) Mexican Tin Candelabras
H 16 in W 14 in D 6 in
William Spratling
Signed Hand Made Butacque Arm Chair William Spratling
H 33 in W 21 in D 26 in
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William Spratling
Rare Original Handmade Table Signed by William Spratling
H 29 in W 75 in D 28 in
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William Spratling
Spratling Sterling Silver Pitcher with Parrot Handle
H 7 in W 6 in D 5 in
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William Spratling
Sterling and Rosewood Pitcher by William Spratling 1943
H 6 in W 11 in D 6 in
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