Margot Van Voorhies

The life and destinctive designs of mid-century enamel jewelry designer Margot Van Voorhies.

Margot Van Voorhies was an American in the mid-twentieth century who went to Taxco, Mexico, and established a jewelry design business best known for exquisite enamel work. This fascinating book relates the pains of her childhood and eventual refuge in Mexico, where she developed an artistic talent into the Margot de Taxco workshop, that employed hundreds of artisans, particularly including women. Her associations with Taxco silversmiths, who were taught by innovator William Spratling, became the springboard for her own development and success.

Margot’s designs are distinctive, often based on spiral motifs inspired by vines and floral imagery. Glorious colored enamels in brilliant hues and original designs distinguish her work. Today, Margot Van Voorhies is considered one of the most productive silver artists in Taxco of the mid-20th century. Her legacy is featured here also, in the work of four contemporary artists who strive to create equally superior modern silver jewelry in Taxco.[AuthorName]By Penny C. Morrill[/AuthorName][AuthorBio]Dr. Penny Morrill has developed a history of modern Mexican silver through her research, writings, and teaching at George Mason University. She has established the Spratling-Taxco Collection at Tulane University’s Latin American Library to further the study of Mexico’s silver tradition and innovation. She lives in McLean, Virginia.[/AuthorBio][NumIllustration]485 color photos[/NumIllustration][CoAuthor][/CoAuthor][SubTitle]The Art of Mexican Enamelwork[/SubTitle][ColorPattern]485 color photos[/ColorPattern]