William Spratling (1900–1967) was an adventurer at heart. He was a pilot, yachtsman, writer, artist, explorer, and, as he is best known, an exceptional silver designer. In fact, Spratling is credited with transforming Taxco, Mexico from a Pre-Colombian and 18th century silver mining center into a silverwork and craft epicenter.
At the age of 15, Spratling was already on his own. He moved from the state of New York to Alabama where his father, a noted American neurologist, had grown up. Spratling studied architecture at Auburn University and went on to lecture at his alma mater as well as at Tulane University in New Orleans where he became an Associate Professor of Architecture.
Spratling’s creative spirit flourished in New Orleans as he integrated with bohemian writers and artists of the French Quarter, including his friend and housemate, William Faulkner. During the summers, he travelled to lecture at the National University in Mexico and he immersed himself in the artistic community there. Spratling was enamored with the culture and people, and soon settled in Taxco to design silver jewelry and objects. His designs pay homage to the cultural heritage of Mexico, while exploring shape and form from an architect’s perspective.
William Spratling 1900–1967
William Spratling was born to an Alabama-bred father and a New England mother in 1900 in Upstate New York. In 1917, after dealing with several deaths in his family and personal upheaval, Spratling enrolled at Auburn University in Montgomery, Alabama. Quickly demonstrating a talent for technical and perspective drawing, Spratling would eventually lecture as an undergraduate in architecture courses. He went on to attain a position at Auburn as an instructor in architecture without acquiring a degree. Spratling moved to New Orleans in 1921, becoming an associate professor of architecture at Tulane University.
A turning point in Spratling's life occurred when he visited Mexico for the first time in 1926. He returned for summers over the next several years and, in 1929, moved there and became active in the artistic community. At first, Spratling spent his time promoting the art of Diego Rivera among New York galleries. This led to his participation in the first exhibition of Mexican art held in the United States. The exhibit was funded by the Carnegie Institute and opened at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.
In 1931, Dwight Morrow, the United States Ambassador to Mexico, suggested that Spratling install a craft center in Taxco, which had been the site of silver mines for centuries. Spratling hired an experienced goldsmith to create silver jewelry of Spratling’s design. Other artisans joined this shop and produced tin wares, copper items, textiles, and furniture, all designed by Spratling. The shop was so successful that, in 1935, the artists moved to a larger space, which Spratling called "Taller de las Delicias" ("Delights Workshop"). There was overwhelming enthusiasm for Spratling's jewelry designs and his holloware. By 1941, he had 120 employees and was selling silver not only in Mexico, but also in America to Neiman-Marcus, Bonwit Teller, Saks Fifth Avenue, and others. In 1944, Spratling's company, now called Spratling y Artesanos S.A., moved to an even larger space. Approximately 400 workers were involved in the production of Spratling Silver.
Given his poor business acumen, Spratling resigned in 1945 and the company dissolved soon thereafter. Spratling then moved to a ranch he had purchased in Taxco-el-Viejo and, in 1947, he formed a new silver workshop called William Spratling S.A. He reduced his production significantly from the levels of the early/mid-1940s and his designs became simpler and more refined. Although disappointed by his lack of financial success, Spratling's stylistic influence and fame endure. Throughout Mexico, he is still considered "The Father of Mexican Silver." Spratling died in a car accident on August 7, 1967 just outside Taxco.
Auction Results William Spratling
