What a fascinating story! I've definitely heard of Taxco and the role silver plays there, but I've never heard of William Spratling. He sounds like a really interesting man. How sad that he lost control of his creation toward the end of his life.
It really is, Clarice. And such a Renaissance Man. So for the people. It is heartbreaking that he lost his studio/villa and that his fruitful vibrant life was cut short.
Something very similar to this happened to my father as well. After that, he basically lost his will to live and died at the age of 65. It wouldn't surprise me if this happened to William as well.
Thanks a million, Lana! I really got into this one. Spratling was such a Renaissance Man who just happened onto the Mexico stage at the perfect time. So great he picked up important impressions from Friday and Diego to help The country regain their cultural identity.
Jeanine, “You had me at hello”. Silversmiths. Architects. Indigenous. History. Frida and Diego. I could go on and on and I hope you go on and on sharing your stories that inform and entertain and provoke thought
Oh thanks so much, Lucinda! First of all I love Mexican silver and also the deco and MesoAmerican look. Then to find out what a Renaissance Man Spratling was, it was such a match plus my love of research/ history. Thanks for reading and your nice comments!!
My pleasure, Holly, and thanks for the read. True true-what cool name for his studio. I really liked how people described him, too, magnanimous, rough diamond who never tried to polish it, made his own rules—and all in for Mexico, his adoptive country and its people. No robber baron he.
Thank you so much Nadine! I love to research (the nerd in me) and I also love Mexican silver especially Spratling’s too cool designs. I loved learning how his interactions w/ Rivera, Kahlo and other greats helped influence him. It was like an accident waiting to happen. Isn’t it great when that happens?
It's a pleasure to read your articles about Mexico. I enjoyed learning more about the history and background of the silver industry in Taxco. Thank you for sharing your wealth of knowledge and information.
Thanks so much, Mike! It’s a cool spot. Haven’t been in ages but it’s so charming and the light there just seemed different. Not too far from CDMX. I loved the Spratling story. He created his own path. Very much a Renaissance Man for sure.
Wonderfully researched and told slice of history! Thank you so much for the photos, too. I've never been to Taxco or to Guerrero, but that seems to be the place where so many of the artisans are from, and bring their wares to other states such as Michoacan. Always wanted to go to Guerrero and Taxco.
Fantastic post! Taxco has been on our wish list for too long - this convinced me it is time to go!
When you get back to MX you’ll love it!!
I have always wanted to visit Taxco. Excellent article.
Thank you so much Harley!
Taxco has always been one of my favorite cities in Mexico, but after reading your post I am anxious to dig into the history next time we are there.
I haven’t been for years but after researching, want to re-see it with new eyes—along with his museum!
Great post, Jeanine. I visited Taxco over 40 years ago. It was enchanting. The silver and jewelry exquisite.
Thank you Paulette. It truly is. Probably quite large now. I also haven’t been for a long time. Love the silver history of it.
What a fascinating story! I've definitely heard of Taxco and the role silver plays there, but I've never heard of William Spratling. He sounds like a really interesting man. How sad that he lost control of his creation toward the end of his life.
It really is, Clarice. And such a Renaissance Man. So for the people. It is heartbreaking that he lost his studio/villa and that his fruitful vibrant life was cut short.
Something very similar to this happened to my father as well. After that, he basically lost his will to live and died at the age of 65. It wouldn't surprise me if this happened to William as well.
Very sorry to hear. Life’s upheavals—life’s uncertainties. The effects—so unknown.
A superb piece Jeanine
Thanks again for your support, George. Truly appreciated.
Such a well written and thoroughly researched work! Your writing is so informative and enjoyable.
Thanks a million, Lana! I really got into this one. Spratling was such a Renaissance Man who just happened onto the Mexico stage at the perfect time. So great he picked up important impressions from Friday and Diego to help The country regain their cultural identity.
Jeanine, “You had me at hello”. Silversmiths. Architects. Indigenous. History. Frida and Diego. I could go on and on and I hope you go on and on sharing your stories that inform and entertain and provoke thought
Oh thanks so much, Lucinda! First of all I love Mexican silver and also the deco and MesoAmerican look. Then to find out what a Renaissance Man Spratling was, it was such a match plus my love of research/ history. Thanks for reading and your nice comments!!
Workshop of delights! This piece is a delight. Thanks for sharing, Jeanine.
My pleasure, Holly, and thanks for the read. True true-what cool name for his studio. I really liked how people described him, too, magnanimous, rough diamond who never tried to polish it, made his own rules—and all in for Mexico, his adoptive country and its people. No robber baron he.
Mil gracias David. Such an interesting Renaissance Man, Senor Spratling.
Fantastic work! Such interesting details and theme! Sharing!
Thank you!
Taxco is known as Mexico's silver capital town.
As always Jeanine, I know more about Mexico with every read.
Glad to hear it, Tinashe. I love not only seeing these neat places but also researching them.
Your essays reflect this in great detail. Keep up the good work :-).
Thank you for this in-depth research and presenting it to us! I've been to Tesco twice but only knew 5% of this 🤯
You're so knowledgeable!
Thank you so much Nadine! I love to research (the nerd in me) and I also love Mexican silver especially Spratling’s too cool designs. I loved learning how his interactions w/ Rivera, Kahlo and other greats helped influence him. It was like an accident waiting to happen. Isn’t it great when that happens?
It's a pleasure to read your articles about Mexico. I enjoyed learning more about the history and background of the silver industry in Taxco. Thank you for sharing your wealth of knowledge and information.
Thanks for your comments, Lois. I love writing about Mexico and glad it resonates with you!
Thank you, Jeanine, for putting another stop on my travel itinerary. Great write up on this fascinating slice of Mexico's history!
Thanks so much, Mike! It’s a cool spot. Haven’t been in ages but it’s so charming and the light there just seemed different. Not too far from CDMX. I loved the Spratling story. He created his own path. Very much a Renaissance Man for sure.
Wonderfully researched and told slice of history! Thank you so much for the photos, too. I've never been to Taxco or to Guerrero, but that seems to be the place where so many of the artisans are from, and bring their wares to other states such as Michoacan. Always wanted to go to Guerrero and Taxco.
Thank you so much! I’ve only been once but it was quite memorable. We arrived at dusk. It’s lovely and more so re the silver connection and Spratling.