Robert Baines, Art Jeweler and Goldsmith,
“The Historic Goldsmith Informing the Contemporary”
on Monday, April 18th at 6:30 p.m.
Robert Baines is both a jeweler and scholar, and is considered to be one of the most preeminent contemporary goldsmiths in the world. During his lecture he will elaborate on his techniques.
Mr. Baines’ astonishingly detailed metalwork, which reflects studies in archaeometallurgy, embodies ancient Bronze Age, Greek and Etruscan goldsmithing methods such as linear wirework and granulation, but with the scale, grandeur, and irony of current practice. He sometimes incorporates objects, either found or fabricated, into his complex “worlds.”
Robert Baines riffs and deconstructs on classical forms and detailed methodology, often using historical data or notorious forgeries (especially the techniques of 19th century jewelry fakers) as his base.
Mr. Baines will describe his pathway from orthodox gold and silversmithing to becoming an artist goldsmith. As he is normally resident in Australia, this is a rare opportunity to hear an exceptional artisan discuss his art and work process. During his visit, his work will be on exhibit at the Gallery Loupe, Montclair and Heller Gallery, Manhattan (April 13 to 17).
“Living Treasure: Master of Australian Craft,” goldsmith and emeritus professor at RMIT University, Robert Baines has maintained a national and international prole with exhibitions, awards, lectures and publications for more than forty years. His works are in prestigious public collections in Great Britain, Germany, France, Poland, USA, New Zealand, and Australia. In the research areas of artist goldsmithing and archaeometallurgy he has received numerous awards including a Winston Churchill Study Grant, Senior Fulbright and two Senior Andrew Mellon Conservation Fellowships at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.
The program begins at 6:30 p.m. in The General Society Library
20 West 44th Street, (Between 5th and 6th Avenues)
New York City.
Reception to follow. Advance registration is recommended.
$15 General admission,
$10 General Society members and Senior Citizens,
$5 Students.
To register please contact the General Society at: 212.840.1840 or
email: meg.stanton@generalsociety.org
This program is supported, in part, by public funds from the
New York City Department of Cultural Affairs,
in partnership with the City Council.
DCA logo
Our thanks also to the “Friends of the Artisan Lecture Series.”