William Spratling - Creative Genius or Pragmatist?

by Carole A. Berk

Spratling was a man in search of a livelihood when he began designing in Taxco, Mexico in the 30s. A man in search of a comfortable living, he was a pragmatist in the most literal sense of the word! However, when one looks at his designs over the years, a creative genius is visible in the silver he manipulated for his livelihood.

My introduction to his work came about some 12 years ago in London of all places. Since then, my affinity for his silver designs is seen by what is lying in my jewelry drawer at home. As a dealer I buy and sell a wide range of his jewelry and holloware. Because my client base is broad I stock almost everything I can lay my hands on by him.

My personal taste runs in two directions. First and foremost, I am drawn to his early 30s designs–small brooches with bold Pre-Colombian forms, mainly organic. I wear two or three at a time on a lapel or sweater. My bracelets in contrast to these unassuming pieces are thick and chunky also foretelling an earlier time in Mexican history.

Secondly, I love Spratling's silver and tortoise designs in jewelry or utilitarian objects. I enjoy this mixture of texture and color in the funneled forms of the so-called needle necklace in particular. Matching earrings were specially designed to complement the necklace. I was fortunate to have the opportunity several years ago to purchase this striking set right from the original owner who obtained it from Spratling in the early 50s. Having seen the necklace done in silver with several mediums such as wood and ivory, I was startled by the change this third material brought about. Seeing it in tortoise and silver with a gold wash ultimately won me over. The gold reflects the variation of color contained with the tortoise bringing the necklace alive. The earrings are like no others Iâve seen before.

Spratling was a man who survived through what he created. If he were alive today he most certainly would be astounded that his designs are sought with such fervor.