posted 03-18-2002 03:33 PM            

An Ancient Method Goes Modern: Margaret Craver's Impact on Postwar Silversmithing
presented by: Jeannine Falino, Curator of Decorative Arts & Sculpture - Museum of Fine Arts

Ms. Falino provided a wealth of information on the career of Margaret Craver. Ms. Craver left her Kansas home to pursue her jewelry and silversmithing career by studying with industry greats like Stone Associates, Arthur Neville Kirk and Baron Erik Flemming. During World War II, she convinced Handy and Harmon, precious metal refiner, to finance a program to train returning vets in wireworking to regain hand mobility. After the war, Craver pursuaded Handy and Harmon to sponsor five silver conferences a year between 1947 and 1951. These conferences were meant to revive the knowledge and techniques of the silversmithing craft. Attendees included veteran smiths such as Baron Erik Flemming as well as participants who went on to distinguished careers such as Fred Miller and Alma Eikerman. Ms. Craver went on to pursue her lifelong experimentation with technique and use of different materials. The work of Ms. Craver as well as some of her contemporaries can be seen through July 1, 2002 at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston.

Margaret Craver & Friend - - - - Handy & Harmon Silver Conference