The classic art of Silversmithing involves the use of many different hand tools and forms: shears, files, a wide variety of hammers, anvils, stakes, and hollowed forms in wood stumps; as well as soldering, annealing, and casting equipment, burnishing and polishing tools, and numerous other implements. After the design is determined and patterns are made, the process of turning ingots, sheets and wires into objects for the home begins. Silver, brass and bronze are very pliable mediums, which are sculpted into their finished shapes through the use of these tools. This process, however, is slow and deliberate and requires a great deal of time to make a piece. This may explain why authentic hand-hammered metalwork is so rarely seen today.

     Since 1975, Silversmith Stephen Smithers has been researching and refining the classic art of Silversmithing. Through the process of performing restorations on early metal objects, Steve has gained an intuitive sense of the original working methods, which has influenced the design, construction, and craftsmanship of his own pieces.

     His first experiences with metalworking were as a machinist and plater from which he gained knowledge about modern production methods. Once the opportunity arose to work with pieces made prior to the Industrial Revolution, Steve began to acquire understanding of the nature of work as performed by craftsmen and women of yesterday and today. The essence of that process is pride of workmanship and the care taken in the making of quality hand-wrought creations.

     Mr. Smithers has been internationally recognized, and the recipient of many prestigious awards. His work is displayed in distinguished galleries which include Designer Craftsman of Philadelphia in Philadelphia, PA, Shreve, Crump & Low, Boston, and the Waterford Home Tours And Crafts Exhibits in Virginia. Steven is a consultant for many museums in the United States, and has given presentations at the Winterthur Museum, Delaware, the Smith College Musem of Art and the Sterling & Francine Clark Art Institute, Massachusetts,and the Eastfield Village Museum in New York.

     Sitting upon a wooded hilltop, the small workshop built by Steve and several friends, evokes the feeling of an earlier time. The pieces produced in his shop are unique in design, influenced by both the classic forms of numerous antiques restored, and the many experiences and people encountered in the process of learning the nearly lost art and craft of Silversmithing. Thanks to the support and interest of discriminating people, this and many other classic arts and crafts are realizing a new revival in the spirit of those who worked and lived before.