William Spratling and the Silversmiths of Taxco

A Forgotten Treasure Hidden in a Drawer

After years of researching and reading about the golden era of Taxco silver jewelry, one thing became clear: William Spratling was the driving force behind it all. His vision transformed Taxco into a world-renowned center for silversmithing, and his legacy lives on through the artisans who continue this craft today.

While reading "Mexican Silver. Modern Hand-wrought Jewelry & Metal Work" by Penny Chittim Morrill and Carole Berk, I came across an intriguing mention of a short educational film from 1963, "Plateros y Tejedores de Taxco". According to the book, this 10-minute documentary was designed to teach Spanish to North American students while showcasing the techniques of Taxco’s artisans. What truly caught my attention was the detail that Spratling makes a brief appearance, inspecting a finished silver piece before walking off camera. That small moment was enough to spark my curiosity—I needed to find this film.

An Unexpected Discovery in Spain

After searching online, I was shocked to find that someone in Spain was selling an original 16mm copy on Etsy. When I asked how they got it, they casually replied that they had found it at a flea market in Europe. A film capturing the essence of Taxco’s silver legacy had somehow drifted across the ocean, waiting to be rediscovered.

At the time, I was living in Calgary, Canada and while I was eager to watch the film, the cost of transferring it to USB was beyond my budget. So, for years, it sat in a drawer, its contents a complete mystery. I didn’t know if it was even real or if I had fallen for a scam. But recently, I finally had the opportunity to digitize it—and what a wonderful surprise it was.

The Legacy of William Spratling

William Spratling was an American architect who fell in love with Mexico and settled in Taxco in 1929. Thanks to his many connections, he befriended Mexican muralist Diego Rivera, who sought his advice on pricing the monumental fresco commissioned by U.S. Ambassador Dwight Morrow for the Cortés Palace in Cuernavaca. As a result, Rivera received his payment and, in turn, gave Spratling $2,000 dollars, enough to purchase a house on Calle de las Delicias in Taxco. Recognizing the town’s untapped potential, he established a workshop that revived traditional silversmithing techniques, trained local artisans, and set new design standards. His influence sparked a movement that put Taxco on the global map, attracting renowned silversmiths and collectors alike.

Reading his autobiography, "File on Spratling", I gained deeper insight into this fascinating figure. There’s no doubt he had a profound admiration for Mexican culture, which shaped both his career and artistic vision. It not only allowed him to build relationships with prominent Mexican artists and intellectuals of his time but also provided the foundation for his wealth—though, as I learned, his fortune came and went for various unfortunate reasons. Most importantly, his appreciation for Mexico gave him the sensibility that defines many of his most iconic silver designs, often infused with traces of Pre-Columbian artistry.

A Glimpse into Taxco’s Silver Legacy

The film is exactly as described in Morrill’s book. It features breathtaking scenes of Taxco in the 1960s, artisans meticulously crafting silver jewelry, and, for a few seconds, William Spratling himself. Watching these skilled silversmiths at work, using traditional techniques that have been passed down for generations, felt like stepping back in time.

As its title suggests, "Plateros y Tejedores de Taxco" is about both silversmiths and weavers. However, for my business and my deep interest in the silver industry, only the first half of the film is relevant to me. That said, even though the second part focuses on weaving—a field unrelated to my work—it’s still fascinating to see how artisans of that era created stunning textiles with traditional techniques.

A Narration to Forget (But a Film to Remember)

Now, let’s talk about the narration. Oh. My. God. 😂 The audio itself isn’t bad, but the narrator… well, she couldn’t be worse! A young woman speaks very slowly, in a childlike tone, with long pauses and zero emotion—so much so that it’s almost unbearable to listen to.

Then it hit me. This wasn’t a production flaw. Since the film was designed as a Spanish-learning tool for English speakers, the exaggeratedly slow narration actually makes sense. It was meant to help students absorb the language at a comfortable pace.

In the excerpt I’m presenting, I’ve removed the narration to let the stunning visuals of Taxco’s silversmiths take center stage.

Why This Film Matters

Despite the narration, the true magic of this film lies in what it captures. The artistry, the craftsmanship, the very essence of Taxco’s silver tradition. Seeing Spratling in action—even for just a few seconds—is a rare and valuable moment in history.

It’s incredible to think that this film could have been lost forever. Now, I have the privilege of sharing this visual time capsule with those who, like me, appreciate the rich heritage behind Taxco’s silver artistry.

Watch it now and witness the artistry that shaped the industry we know today!

This rare footage takes us back to the golden era of Taxco silver and is intended for educational purposes to showcase the artisanal craftsmanship of Taxco. All rights to the original film belong to their respective copyright holders.

After discovering this fascinating glimpse into Taxco’s silversmithing roots, I’m even more proud to offer you pieces crafted by artisans who continue this tradition today. I invite you to explore my curated selection of authentic, handcrafted Taxco silver jewelry today!