Discover the fascinating story of William Spratling, often referred to as the "Father of Contemporary Mexican Silver," in this free lunchtime lecture. An American whose friends included William Faulkner and John Dos Passos, Spratling traveled to Taxco, Mexico, in the early 1930s and began designing jewelry for the tourist trade. His work is noted for its incorporation of motifs from art and artifacts of the early cultures of Mexico. Spratling's influence on Mexican silver design endures today, and his original works are prized by collectors. In this lecture, we will follow Spratling's unique journey and its wider context. We will discuss the conditions in Mexico following the Mexican Revolution, Spratling's connections to prominent figures in the art world, society, and politics, and the influence of pre-Columbian art on Spratling's innovative designs.
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