Collection Information
Size: 0.5 Linear feet
Summary: Biographical material, correspondence (1942-1973), notes, drawings, a subject file on writing, short story manuscripts, clippings, brochures, an exhibition catalog, and photographs and albums document the career of silversmith Porter Blanchard.
Among the biographical materials are an 8-page autobiography and a notebook, "The Story of Porter Blanchard: Hand Wrought Silver and Pewter," with a brochure about Blanchard and copy photographs of his work. Correspondence includes two business letters (1942, 1949) concerning the price of silver, five letters (1964) from Blanchard, traveling in Hawaii and Tahiti, to his family, 30 sympathy letters to Blanchard's family after his death in 1973; and letters concerning Blanchard's family tree. There are a 1966 application to the Treasury Department for a gold license, notes concerning projects and clients, accompanied by two small templates and 42 drawings of jewelry designs. A subject file (1966-1967) contains letters and manuscripts for short stories submitted by Blanchard to a writer's training course. Among the printed materials are clippings (1932-1979), brochures (1929-1969) about Blanchard and his studio, THE RENAISSANCE OF AN ANCIENT ART by L. Stanley Grohs (1930), THE STORY OF STERLING by the Sterling Silversmith Guild of America (1937), and a 1960 exhibition catalog, "Design for Silver". Photographs (1914-1972) show Blanchard, his granddaughter, friends, the exterior of his studio (1930) and his work. Two photograph albums (ca. 1957) focus on Blanchard and workers in his studio.