Loading ...![Taxco at night (photo by Krynowek Eine [el Eine] courtesy of Flickr)](http://www.mexicovacationtravels.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/nochetaxco.jpg "nochetaxco")
Picturesque Taxco Town At Night In Guerrero, Mexico
Nestled in the Northern hills of Guerrero lies the picturesque town of Taxco. The silver mines of Taxco have had their share of fame beginning with Cortez who sent plundered riches from the mines back to Spain. However, in 1926 a New York architect, William Spratling, learned of Taxco’s silver mining potential. Spratling decided to dedicate his knowledge of building and design to this Mexican city which he would soon come to love.
Grottos of Cacahuamilpa (photo by Kyrnowek Eine courtesy of Flickr)
Entrance to El Rancho Spratling (photo by Alan Cordova courtesy of Flickr)
Spratling stayed close to the artisans, living in a ranch just outside of Taxco. He is fondly referred to as the “Father of Mexican Silver” by many locals. Although, Spratling designed his work, the actual smithing was left to the local artists. Spratling also gave the craftsmen free reign to utilize his designs and begin businesses of their own. Sadly, Spratling’s life came to an abrupt conclusion when he was killed in a car collision just outside of his beloved city.
View of Taxco from gondola (photo by Alan Cordova Courtesy of Flickr)
When visiting this beautiful inland city, the William Spratling museum is a must see. The exhibits showcase his life and achievements. An avid promoter of the works of Diego Rivera in New York, Spratling had an special affinity for the Mexican culture and it shows in his creations on display. Much of his work has the pre-Columbian beauty of Mexico interwoven throughout each piece.
Great Pictures and post.
Our family ” Los Castillo” is now going through the fourth generation of silversmiths, thanks to the amazing teachings of William Spratling.
We have a bed and breakfast in Taxco, called “Hotel Mi Casita” on top of what used to be the workshop of “Los Castillo” who were apprentices of Spratiling. We often tell our guests about the history of our lovely town “Taxco”, and how so many of us were blessed by Don Guillermo, as the locals would call him.
Thanks for such a great article.
I saw a catalogue of the spratling silver. In this book were
offered replicas of spratling silver goods, house ware, necklaces and others.
I like to buy a necklaces out of this book. I saw this necklaces in a show in San Miguel de Alliende in September 2009.
Where can I buy a this goods.
Where would I find a history of the Castillo family