Stephen  P. Smithers Silversmith

            Since 1975, I have researched and practiced the classic art of silversmithing. Through the process of performing restorations and conservations on early metal objects, acquiring an understanding of the original working methods used by the masters of the art. This process has influenced the design, construction, and craftsmanship of my own pieces and a flattering abundance of historically accurate replicas of the works of many of America’s most noted silversmiths.

My first experiences with metalworking were as a machinist and metal plater where, obtaining knowledge about modern production which encourages quantity and speed, but also a detachment from the work being performed. I have chosen to work with and acquire knowledge of silver, bronze and brass pieces made prior to the industrial revolution. The insight gained from this endeavor has allowed me to understand and rediscover the soul of the work performed by the masters of yesterday; where the essence of the process is pride of workmanship and the care taken in the quality of each hand-wrought creation.

I am assisted by my son, Christopher Smithers, who is taking on the challenge of continuing my efforts into the next generation. The small workshop we’ve built with several friends, evokes this feeling of an earlier time. Every piece produced in this shop is unique in design, influenced by both the classic forms, and by my experiences exploring and rediscovering the nearly lost art of silversmithing

It has been my privilege to have the opportunity to share, teach and demonstrate my art extensively. Hammers, anvils, stakes, files and heat…. are the “tools of the trade”.

 

 Image  Image

Above Left: Steve Smithers raises the foot for a Revere Bowl  

Above Right: Christopher Smithers planishes a bobeche for a brass sconce

 

 

Demonstrations:

  • The Metropolitan Museum of Art

  • The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

  • The Winterthur Museum

  • The Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute

  • The Paul Revere House

  • Historic Deerfield

  • The Concord Museum

  • The Worcester Museum of Art

  • The Southampton Historical Museum (NY)

    Symposiums & Video Displays (as Part of Exhibitions):

  • The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

  • The New York Historical Society

  • The Winterthur Museum

  • Historic Deerfield

    Seminars:

  • The Metropolitan Museum of Art – 5th and 6th Grade Teachers Program

  • The Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute – Museum Docents Educational Program

  • Historic Deerfield – Historic Deerfield Guides Educational Program

    Teaching Positions & Hands-On Workshops:

  • The North Bennet Street School

  • Eastfield Village Early American Industries Association

  • Nantucket Historical Society

  • The Wilder Homestead – Buckland Historical Society Ashfield Historical Society

  • Ashfield Historical Society

    Shows and Exhibitions:

  • Designer Craftsmen of Philadelphia and New England, 1995-2012

  • Celebration of American Craftsmanship, Wilton, CT 1992-95, 2003-2013

  • Craft Festival at Winterthur, Winterthur Museum, Wilmington DE 2002

  • Distinguished Group of American Artists, Downington, PA 1996

  • Early American Life Festival of Traditional American Arts, Rye Brook, NY 1995

  • Great River Exhibit, Wadsworth Atheneum, Hartford, CT 1986

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