Taxco

THE SILVERLADY II

We travel quarterly to Taxco, Mexico to buy our silver. The history of silver in Taxco is
a fascinating combination of legend and fact. Located in the hills between Acapulco
and about 100 miles southwest of Mexico City, Taxco in the state of Guerrero is one
of the oldest mining sites located in the Americas. It has retained its natural charm
with its colonial ambiance, red-tiled roofs, cobblestoned, narrow winding streets
and the towering, impressive 240 year old Santa Prisca Catheral.

In the late 1920's the highway from Mexico City finally reached Taxco and in 1926,
William Spratling, a U.S. citizen and associate architecture professor from Tulane
University arrived in Taxco to study Mexico and its culture. In1929 he moved to
Mexico and was welcomed into the influential artistic circles of Mexico. In 1931 U.S.
Ambassor Dwight Morrow commented to Mr. Spratling that Taxco had been the site
of silver mines for centuries, but unfortunately had never been considered a location
where jewelry and objects of silver were designed and made. This seemingly
insignificant comment changed the course of Taxco's artistic and economic history.

Mr. Spratling discovered the potential talent in the locals and motivated the
community artisans to create designs and rediscover the craft of silversmithing.
The great beauty and craftmanship coming out of Taxco earned worldwide
recognition and fame once again for Mexico. Over time many of these artisans
opened workshops and stores of their own. Their work continues to inspire the next
generation of silversmiths and artisans who now number in the hundreds.