The History of the Silver Smith Industry in Gardner In 1887 Frank W. Smith began manufacturing silverware in Gardner and within a few years the Frank W. Smith Silver Company had one of the finest equipped factories in the country for the manufacture of high grade sterling silverware, both by machine and by hand. The company continued operations until 1958. During the course of its history the company’s silver services became the possession of notable individuals such as Princess Grace of Monaco and Queen Elizabeth of England. Also, Smith silver groupings were purchased, on occasion, for United States naval vessels, gifts from the states or communities for which they were named. Arthur Stone remained in business for thirty-six years, during which time he became known as “The Dean of American Silversmiths.” His works included hand wrought silver products such as toys, bowls, trophies, tankards, tea sets, table silver in all forms, altar sets for churches and often ecclesiastical pieces. A gold monstrance for the Church of the Advent in Boston is a fine example of this craftsmanship. Today, beyond private ownership, Arthur Stone’s workmanship can be found in New York City’s Metropolitan Museum and the Worcester Museum of Fine Arts among many public institutions. After 36 years the shop was purchased by Henry E. Heywood who called the company Stone Associates and continued with the same craftsmen until 1957 when the shop closed. After Arthur Stone’s retirement several Gardner silversmiths continued their craftsmanship. However, at the present time the only practicing silversmith is a grandson of one of Arthur Stone’s master craftsman. Even though the age of silversmithing has essentially ended in Gardner, the Museum works diligently to keep its memory alive. For instance, in the Spring of 1991, the Museum held an exhibit titled “A Century of Gardner Sterling Silver.” The exhibit provided for a four week display of manufactured and hand wrought silver by eleven ofGardner’s master craftsmen. In conjunction with the exhibit the Museum published a twenty-one page brochure about the craftsmen whose works were on display. Now in its second printing, the brochure is sold to the public at a modest price. The other income related to the exhibit comes from the sale of a book titled Arthur J. Stone Designer and Silversmith. This book was authored by Elenita Chickering, a relative by marriage of Arthur Stone, and was published by the Library of the Boston Athenaeum. Not only has Mrs. Chickering donated the book’s remainder to the Museum but also she has designated the Museum as a repository for her research files, which will become a significant addition to the organization’s archives. Source:the Biography of Arthur Stone by Herman Glendenning Online encyclopedia of Silver marks, Hallmarks and Maker Marks. Search and Browse the Arthur J Stone Collection at the Smithsonian Archives of American Art |
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