This is a great book, although it is 13 years old. Since the subject matter history covers from the 1920's - 1980's. The background and research that went into this book, is simply amazing. The photographs of the old Haciendas. The photos of art done by Silversmith Valentin Vidaurreta ~ including one the author's own. I believe Ms. Morrill wrote this book from the heart. She seems to have her own collection of amazing vintage Mexican Sterling pieces done by various silver Maestros. The photographs are such a big part of this book! All the photographs of the jewelry and other items are so well done, I just love them. It appears that years and years of extremely thorough research, both in North and South America was done to complete this book. As a collector of fine Sterling pieces, such as these in the book, it has become an invaluable reference book. As Hector Aguilar is the main focus of the book, this unfortunately led Ms. Morrill to omit the numerous hallmarks of the various other Silversmiths she has noted in her book. She shows 24 of the various hallmarks from Hector Aguilar; however, the other Masters that are supposed to be covered in this book may get only one photograph of their hallmark(s). If Ms. Morrill wanted to highlight Hector Aguilar, then she should have chosen a different title perhaps? The title perhaps should have been just Hector Aguilar and other Silver Masters of Mexico. That is the only drawback of the book.Read full review
This is an excellent book that is very informative about the life and designs of Hector Aguilar. Hector Aguilar was William Spratling's workshop manager when William Spratling initiated the modern silver industry (in the 1930's) in Taxco, Mexico. Hector was a member of an artistic team that included many of the artists who have become leading creators of Mexican metal artworks. This book is a must have for anyone who collects or admires Aguilar's work. This book has wonderful photographs of Hector's designs and show a variety of his jewelry. Hector Aguilar has created distinctive and classic silver pieces and I personally think he was one of the greatest jewelry designers of all time.
I bought this book for research purposes in writing my own book about Maya Mexico Jewelry. Penny C. Morrill is a major authority on Mexican silver jewelry and their makers, especially those from the city of Taxco. The book is certainly well-researched and has abundant, clear, and beautiful photos. Today, Morrill's books are becoming rare. So, I was delighted to find this one on eBay at a reasonable price. I would heartily recommend this book to anyone for its stories of artists, pictures of jewelry, and for the many pictures of art by Valentin Viaduratta that are used for chapter illustration. A lovely, lovely book!
The information contained is well organized and written so that everyone can enjoy reading or just looking at the photographs. Her knowledge of the subject is well researched and she obviously loves her subject. I thought I knew a lot about Mexican Silver but I realize now I had only begun to scratch the surface. I will be digging through this book for a long time and am sure that I will return many times to check my information and continue my collecting. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is at all interested in Jewelry, Silver, Mexican History or just beautiful Photography.
Penny Morrlll has introduced Mexican silver jewelry design from the last century causing great awareness of this sophiticated art form most would know nothing about without her collaborated book Mexican Silver. Silver Masters of Mexico should be purchased by collectors or beginers who are interested in this fascinating and important area of Mexican arts. When will the next book be published? Bravo Penny.
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