A Metalsmith’s Guide to Washington, D.C.
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This is a continuing series of metalsmith's guides to cities, regions and museums throughout the world. The purpose of these guides is to give those interested in viewing metalwork during their travels an introduction to the treasures and resources, both accessible and hidden, of a certain place. The tours also document history and tradition in the field of metalwork.
Metalsmith magazine encourages submissions of ideas for these guides. The tours should focus on a single location and be illustrated with maps, line drawings and photographs whenever possible. Metalwork can be found all around us in both urban and rural environments. No place is too remote to mention—an exquisite bronze bust in a hotel lobby, a certain iron grill, knives in a fishing tackle store. Here is a chance to share your favorite places and works with others. Send submissions to: Sarah Bodine, Editor, Metalsmith, 1 Penn Lyle Road, PrinceJunction, NJ 08550.
Introduction and Points of Interest
On visiting our nation's capital one cannot help but feel a sense of pride in the image it projects. Extending from Capitol Hill to the Lincoln Memorial, the vista of the long green Mall flanked by stately museums makes a profound and positive visual statement.
For the visiting metalsmith, the D.C. area provides a wealth of metal objects to be seen and appreciated. From the tip of the Washington Monument—at the time of its construction, the largest single piece of cast aluminum in the world—to a metal fence made of guns in Georgetown (on the corner of P St. and 28th), there is much to be seen just by traveling the city streets.
Washington abounds in cast bronze and iron statues, found in almost every monument, park and circle in the city. Of special note is the Marine Corps War Memorial in Arlington National Cemetery, a 78-foot, 100-ton portrayal of the raising of the flag on Iwo Jima. Less well known but esthetically significant is a sculpture by Saint-Gaudons installed in Rock Creek Cemetery as a memorial to Mrs. Henry Adams in 1893. The seated, draped figure was named "Grief" by Mark Twain and was a favorite of Eleanor Roosevelt, who visited it frequently. Another unusual sculpture entitled "The Awakening" represents a huge giant emerging from the ground; only the knee, foot, arm and head are visible as he struggles to free himself from the earth. The scale is impressive, as the head alone is 15 feet high. The statue is located at the tip of Haines Pt. on the D.C. side of the Potomac.
On a more contemporary note, welded steel sculptures by emerging young artist Christopher Gardner are on display at numerous locations throughout the D.C. area, including the National Children's Museum at 4th and E Sts. S.E., the Washington Convention Center at 9th and G Sts. And the Orthopedic Center at 8th St. and Massachusetts Ave.
The list of sculpture could go on and on for those especially interested an excellent reference is: Outdoor Sculpture of Washington by James Goode, Smithsonian Press, 955 L'Enfant Plaza, Suite 2100, Washington, DC 20560. It is available at most Smithsonian book shops.
The use of cast and wrought iron in fences and architectural ornament is extensive throughout the D.C. area. Of special note are the following:
- Tall cast iron fence around Oak Hill Cemetery in Georgetown.
- High wrought iron fence in front of the Cosmos Club on Massachusetts Ave.
- White House fence on Pennsylvania Ave.
- Tree rings and benches designed by Albert Paley, located on Pennsylvania Ave. in front of the White House.
- Set of gates and screed designed by Albert Paley, located Marriott Hotel on Pennsylvania Ave.
- A showcase for Albert Paley's work is: Clydes of Tysons Corner, 8332 Leesburg Pike, Vienna, VA 22180; (301) 734-1901. In this beautiful restaurant Palye has executed interior railings, lamps, and irons and pillars as well as an award-winning set of forged bronze door handles for the revolving front door.
- Memorable for its metal appointments is the Washington Cathedral at the corner of Massachusetts and Wisconsin Aves. Among the largest cathedrals in the world, it boasts bronze doors imported from Greece and interior wrought ironwork by Samuel Yellin and Tom Bredlow. For additional information the serious student of architectural metalwork may contact: Michael Horne, c/o Zenith Gallery, 1443 Rhode Island Ave. N.W., Washington, DC 20005, or call: (202) 532-4572.
MUSEUMS
One of Washington's greatest assets is its museums. Between government-sponsored and private institutions the visitor is offered an incredible body of objects and information on almost any subject imaginable at little or no cost.
Smithsonian Institution
This is a blanket organization for a group of museums covering a vast array of subjects from space travel to the First Ladies' gowns. Most of the buildings are located along the Mall which extends from the Capitol to the Washington Monument; others are scattered throughout the D.C. area. Each individual museum has a series of permanent and changing exhibits as well as large amounts of undisplayed material in its collections. In many cases individuals may make arrangements to see undisplayed collections by contacting the museum of interest in advance. A week's notice is preferred and the request must be specific in nature. That is, one could not request to see silver objects in general, but could ask to see 18th-century silver holloware.
All Smithsonian museums can be contacted using the following address and phone number.
- Name of Museum
Smithsonian Institution
Washington, DC 20560
(202) 357-1300
Of particular interest to metalsmiths are the following Smithsonian musems:
- Freer Gallery of Art
Jefferson Dr. at 12th St. S. W.
Tel: (202) 357-2700
Hours: Daily 10-5:30
Admission: Free
Contains a large collection of Far Eastern, Indian, Indo-Chinese and Near Eastern art including works in bronze, jade, lacquer, porcelain and glass.
- Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden
Independence Ave. at 8th St. S. W.
Tel: (202) 357-3019
Hours: Daily 10-5:30
Admission: Free
This showcase of modern and contemporary art houses one of the world's major collections of modern sculpture. Included are works in cast bronze, welded steel, forged steel and tension structures in painted steel and cable. Most of the world's best-known sculptors are represented, including Daumier, Matisse, Rodin, Calder, Henry Moore, David Smith, Picasso, Degas, Brancusi and Giacometti. The Hirshhorn Gift shop shows a good selection of contemporary jewelry by Ronald Pearson, John Lewis, Louise Slater and Donald Friedlich.
- National Museum of African Art
Smithsonian institutions
Currently closed, it is scheduled to reopen in June, 1987 as part of the Center for African, Near Eastern and Asian Cultures in the Quadrangle Building on the Mall. New address: 950 Independence Ave. S. W. Included in the collections are sculpture, textiles, jewelry, musical instruments and crafts.
- National Museum of American History
14th St. and Constitution Ave. N. W.
Hours: Daily 10-5:30 (winter) extended spring and summer hours determined yearly
Admission: Free
Unfortunately this museum displays work based on historical periods rather than media categories; so much of the metalwork is scattered throughout the museum. The current exhibit, "After the Revolution: Everyday Life in America," contains good examples of iron, silver and pewter housewares from the period 1780-1800. Of particular interest is the section titled "Philadelphia Artisans," which displays the tools and products of blacksmiths, coopers and silversmiths as they were used at that time.
Not on display but available by appointment are the following: Division of Comestic Life, including pewter and silver tableware; copperware, especially a collection of tea kettles with makers' marks; brass and iron ware, and cast iron furniture; Division of Armed Forces History, including weaponry collection, such as swords, guns, sabers; Division of Costumes, including jewelry.
- National Museum of Natural History
Constitution Ave. at 10th St. N. W.
(202) 357-2700
Hours: Daily 10-5:30
Admission: Free
Of outstanding interest to the metalsmith is the Gems and Minerals Collection, containing some of the world's most renowned gems. On display are the Hope Diamond, the Rosser Reeves Ruby, the Star of Asia and the Hooker Emerald, as well as an incredible number of precious and semiprecious stones and minerals unusual for their size and rarity.
- Renwick Gallery
Pennsylvania Ave. at 17th St. N. W.
(202) 357-2700
Hours: Daily 10-5:30
Admission: Free
The Renwick Gallery is the branch of the National Museum of American Art which focuses on American decorative arts, crafts and design. It features changing exhibitions of American and international crafts. The permanent collection, which can be seen by appointment, contains an excellent selection of work by contemporary metalsmiths. Collection includes representative work by 25 of the country's most recognized metalsmiths. Also of note are the wrought iron gates by Albert Paley at the entrance to the gift shop. Currently, on tour, these should be back by Fall 1987.
Other government and independent museums exhibiting metal:
- National Gallery of Art
4th St. and Constitution Ave. N. W.
Washington, D. C. 20565
Tel: (202) 737-4215
Hours: Mon.-Sat. 10-5, Sun. 12-9
Admission: Free
The Gallery consists of two buildings, the classical West Building designed by John Russell Pope and the contemporary East Building designed by I. M. Pei. Both are worth a visit just to see the magnificence of the architecture. The East Building contains 20th-century art, including a huge Calder mobile and an excellent collection of welded steel sculpture by David Smith. Earlier metalworks are primarily located on the lower floor of the West Building and include an extensive collection of coins, medals and small bronze sculptures. There is also a small amount of jewelry and liturgical metalwork displayed in the same area.
The handbook Renaissance Small Bronze Sculpture and Associated Decorative Arts by Carolyn C. Wilson provides an excellent guide to the exhibit. It is available at the National Gallery Bookstore.
- Daughters of the American Revolution Museum
1776 D St. N. W.
Washington, DC 20006
Tel. (202) 628-1776
Hours: Mon.-Fri. 9-4, Tours 10-3, Sun. 1-5
Closed: Two weeks in April
Admission: Free
Exhibiting American arts from the 1700s to 1860, the museum has 33 period rooms and four galleries containing cases of specific work. Examples of silver, bronze, pewter, brass and wrought iron are seen throughout the museum. Displayed in cases is a collection of over 200 pieces of silver holloware and flatware. In storage is a comparable collection of pewter available for viewing by appointment.
- Dumbarton Oaks
1703 32nd St. N. W.
Washington, DC 20007
Tel: (202) 338-8278—recorded information, (202) 342-3212—tour information
Hours: Collections—Tues.-Sun. 2-5
Rare Book Room—Sat. and Sun. 2-5
Gardens—Tues.-Sun. 2-5
Admission: Museum—free, Gardens—$2
The 19th-century mansion set in extensive gardens was originally the home of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Woods Bliss. It is a gem of a museum with an excellent collection of Byzantine jewelry and an outstanding collection of pre-Columbian gold, uniquely displayed in a specially designed gallery. Another beautiful feature is the wrought iron railing on the spiral staircase in the hall.
- Hillwood
4155 Linnean Ave. N. W.
Washington, DC 20008
Tel: (202) 686-5807
Hours: Guided tours are offered Mon., Wed. and Sat. at 9, 10:30, 12:00 and 1:30
Admission: $7, reservations required
The former home of Marjorie Merriweather Post, this building contains 18th- and 19th-century French and Russian decorative art and furniture. The Icon Room features icons, gold, and silver chalices and an array of jeweled items by Peter Carl Fabergé.
- National Building Museum
Pension Building
F St. between 4th and 5th N. W.
Washington, DC 20001
Tel: (202) 272-2448
Hours: Mon.-Fri. 10-4, Sat.-Sun. 12-4
Admission: Free
This museum is worth a trip just to see the building, which, with its great central hall and massive Corinthian columns, is impressive both physically and aesthetically. Currentl on display is a retrospective exhibit of work by Smauel Yellin, America's master metlworking. The exhibition traces Yellin's design process, from inspiration through workshop to installation, and displays a gret selection of wrought iron pieces, drawings and photographs from the Yellin collection. It is hoped that the exhibit will become part of the permanent collection of the museum.
SHOPS AND GALLERIES
For matelsmiths, Washington has two galleries that have made a strong commitment to showing contemporary jewelry.
- VO Galerie
2000 Pennsylvania Ave. N. W.
Washington, DC 20005
(202) 293-0249
Hours: Mon.-Fri. 10-7, Sun. 10-6
Consistent with the philosophy of its owners, Joke Van Ommen and Jan Maddox, VO exemplifies the European viewpoint in jewelry. It regularly shows the work, of 50-60 Europeans and American jewelers and mounts special exhibits featuring individual artists five or six times a year (for additional information, see Metalsmith, Fall, 1985).
- Plum Gallery
3762 Howard Ave.
Kensington, MD 20895
(301) 933-0222
Hours: Tues.-Sat. 11-4
One of Washington's finest showcases for contemporary jewelry, Plum mounts monthly exhibits that combine painting, prints or sculpture with jewelry by nationally recognized metalsmiths. In addition to the featured artists, there is an ongoing selection of work by their regular artists in "the drawers." The gallery's location on Howard Ave. is in the midst of "Antique Village," a five-block section containing numerous antique shops and art galleries in more than 40 Victorian buildings.
Other galleries in the metropolitan area include:
- Zenith Gallery
1441 Rhode Island Ave. N. W. (rear)
Washington, DC 20005
(202) 667-3483
The central element of Zenith Square, a complex of artists' studios, the gallery exhibits a charming, somewhat eclectic collection of contemporary painting, sculpture and crafts. The jewelry is fun, ranging from inexpensive but innovative pieces in plastic, rubber, wood and brass to one-of-a-kind work in silver and gold.
- Grand Jury
10301 Old Georgetown Rd.
(Wildwood Shopping Center)
Bethesda, MD 20814
(301) 530-7982
A new gallery showing a wide range of contemporary handmade jewelry as well as knit clothing, accessories and decorative arts. Work is elegantly displayed in a distinctive setting.
- Jackie Chalkley Fine Crafts and Wearables
3301 New Mexico Ave. N. W.
Washington, DC 20016
(202) 686-8882
Shows high-quality crafts in all media including metals and jewelry.
GEORGETOWN
The intersection of Pennsylvania Ave. and M St. marks the beginning of Georgetown. This are of Washington is known for its numerous small boutiques, galleries and excellent restaurants. Georgetown Park, a neo-Victorian mall, is notable for its size and décor. Metalsmiths well appreciate the extensive cast iron railing and stairs that decorate the interior galleries as well as enjoying the wide array of specialty shops it contains. Of particular interest in Georgetown are the following galleries:
- American Hand
2906 M St. N. W.
Washington, DC 20007
(202) 965-3273
Long recognized for its fine selection of American pottery, they have recently diversified with a limited line of jewelry.
- Fendrick Gallery
3059 M St. N. W.
Washington, DC 20007
(202) 338-4544
Representing Albert Paley exclusively in the Washington area. Frederick has a usually few pieces of his on display.
- Lee Gallery
Georgetown Court
3251 Prospect St. N. W.
Washingotn, DC 20007
(202) 342-1212
An elegant gallery carrying pottery, jewelry and fibers by local and national artists. The jewelry is primarily of precious materials and especially well displayed.
- The Mineral Kingdom
Georgetown Court
3251 Prospect St. N. W.
Washington, DC 20007
(202) 338-5505
Shows more traditional fine jewelry with a slight contemporary flair. All work is done on the premises in gold with pearls and precious stones.
- Spectrum Gallery
1132 29th St. N. W.
Washington, DC 20007
(202) 333-0954
Features the work of 28 area artists including potters and jewelers.
OLD TOWN, ALEXANDRIA, VA
Another area noted for its quaint atmosphere and good selection of shops and boutiques is across the Potomac from Washington in Old Town, Alexandria, VA.
Here the central attraction is the Torpedo Factory, a cooperative art center containing working studios and galleries for 180 artists. The name refers to the original use of the building during World War II. Its conversion by a group of hardworking artists was instrumental in changing the entire atmosphere of Old Town. A number of metalsmiths have studios in the Torpedo Factory, including Susan Portner, Erick Margry and Angela Livingston. Members of "Studio M-1," also housed there, include some of the area's better known jewelers. All studios are open to the public and welcome visitors. For further information contact:
- Torpedo Factory Art Center
105 N. Union St.
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 838-4565
Other locations featuring jewelry and metals:
- The Athenaeum
201 Prince St.
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 548-0035
Shows periodic exhibits of regional arts and crafts. The Washington Guild of Goldsmiths biennial exhibit is scheduled for Fall 1987.
- The Gadlfy
215 S. Union St.
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 548-0218
A boutique-type gallery carrying crafts and wearable art including jewelry.
- Enamelists' Gallery
105 N. Union St.
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 836-1561
Located in the Torpedo Factory, this co-op gallery shows traditional and contemporary designs by area craftsmen. The work incorporates cloisonné champlevé, limoges and a wide variety of other classic and modern techniques.
GUILDS
There are three area organizations actively involved with metals.
Washington Guild of Goldsmiths
Organized in 1978, the Guild has over 100 members, primarily from the Greater Washington Area. It sponsors several lectures and four or five workshops a year. These are taught by leaders in the field and cover all aspects of metalsmithing, technical, and esthetic. A newsletter containing technical information, guild news, schedules for shows, fair, etc., is published at regular intervals. A juried exhibition of members' work is organized about every two years.
For additional information:
Studio M-1
Torpedo Factory Art Center
105 N. Union St.
Alexandria, VA 22314
President: Dalya Luttwak
4510 Drummond Ave.
Chevy Chasem ND 20815
(301) 951-0750
Enamelists Guild
One of the first organizations of enamelists in the country, the Guild has grown since its inception in 1974 to a membership of over 150 artists with two-thirds of them living in the D.C. area. They offer a formal program every other month which alternates among technical information, esthetic viewpoints and critiques. Two or three workshops by nation experts are sponsored each year. Their newsletter highlights topics covered in the meetings as well as information on shows, fairs and opportunities to buy and sell tools and materials. They sponsor a National Enamelists Guild Exhibit every four years (next to be in 1987) and a local members' show at sporadic intervals.
For additional information:
President: Dalene Barry
2951 Arizona Ave. N. W.
Washington, DC 20016
(202) 362-0629
Blacksmith Guild of the Potomac, Inc.
The Guild, with a membership of over 100, meets on the 1st and 3rd Fridays of the month. Programs include lectures, demonstrations, slide talks and swap nights. They also sponsor field trips and a newsletter that covers members' activities, ABANA conferences, shop tips and other information on guild activities. Their major project is an annual event called "Blacksmithing Days." Held in late May or early June, it lasts for two days and includes demonstrations, hands-on smithing experience, a tool auction and swap market, as well as an exhibit of blacksmithing arts and tools.
For additional information:
Blacksmith Guild of the Potomac, Inc.
Gulf Branch Nature Center
3608 Military Rd.
Arlington, VA 22207
President: Brad Silberberg
11414 Schuylkill Rd.
Rockville, MD 20852
Home (301) 462-1362
Studio (301) 589-7828
EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
Unfortunately the D. C. area has just a few locations where courses in metals are given. The best of these is:
- Montgomery College Art Dept.
Rockville Campus
Rockville, MD 20850
(301) 279-5515
In a well-equipped studio, courses are offered during the fall and spring semesters in beginning and intermediate metalwork and enameling.
Other locations offering occasional courses:
- National Park Service
Glen Echo Park
MacArthur Blvd.
Glen Echo, MD 20812
(301) 492-6282
Here resident metalsmith Susan Tamulevich as well as other artists offer courses in basic metalsmithing, enameling, and metals for enamelists. Ten-week courses, meeting from one to three nights a week, are offered four times a year. Periodic workshops are also offered. Materials and equipment are limited.
- Adele Stamp Union
Art Center
University of Maryland
College Park, MD
A six-week course in beginning jewelry is taught by Joan Levy in the fall and spring semesters. Equipment and facilities are limited.
- Catholic University
Art Department
620 Michigan Ave. N. E.
Washington, DC 20017
Gretchen Raber teaches a six-week course each summer beginning in late June. It meets three nights a week and covers all basic beginning to intermediate metalworking skills. Opportunity is also provided for individual projects on advanced techniques. Studio space is good, with adequate equipment available.
STUDIOS TO VISIT
These Washington Area metalsmiths would be happy to show their studio to visiting fellow craftsmen by appointment please.
| Yvonne Arritt 8501 Brook Rd. McLean, VA 22102 (703) 893-3999 * Limited-production jewelry | Fridl Blumenthal 6503 Wilmett Rd. Bethesda, MD 20817 (301) 530-7772 * Jewelry |
| Tina Chisena 4402 Clearfield Rd. Wheaton, MD 20906 (301) 933-0676 * Jewelry, enamels, blacksmithing | Chas. Colburn 1443 Rhode Island Ave N. W. Washington, DC 20005 (202) 234-7872 * Welded steel sculpture |
| Chris Gardner 23 Snows Ct. N. W. Washington, DC 20037 (202) 965-9473 * Welded and painted steel sculpture | Barbro E. Gendell 4107 Dakota Ct. Alexandria, VA 22312 (703) 941-3297 * Jewelry |
| Sylvia Hamers and Harry Weiss 6301 Bannockburn Dr. Bethesda, MD 20817 (301) 229-4579 * Enamels | Roger and Belle Kuhn 7108 Laverock Lane Bethesda, MD 20817 (301) 229-4948 * Jewelry and enamels |
| Dalya Luttwak 4510 Drummond Ave. Chevy Chase, MD 20815 (301) 951-0750 * Limited-production jewelry | Gretchen Klunder Raber 7800 Davenport St. Alexandria, VA 22306 (703) 768-8850 * Jewelry and sculpture—anodized aluminum |
| Brad Silberberg Bradley Metal Design 2645 Garfield Ave. Silver Spring, MD 20910 (301) 589-7828 * Blacksmithing | Michael Schwartz Creative Metalworks 815 Monroe St. N. E. Washington, DC 20017 (202) 269-1990 * Limited-production jewelry, casting: classes offered |
SUPPLIERS
Equipment and material suppliers are limited and expensive in this area. Most craftsmen order from elsewhere; however, in a pinch, the following are available.
- Lou-Bon
6341D Columbia Pike
Baileys Crossroads, VA 22041
(703) 256-1084
A complete line of metalsmithing supplies, including tools, findings and casting and lapidary equipment
- R&D Jewelry Supply Co.
1310 Apple Ave.
Silver Spring, MD 20910
Carries a good selection of metalsmithing, jewelry and watchmaking tools, including Vigor, H&R and Foredom
- Morea Inc.
962 Wayne Ave.
Silver Spring, MD 20910
(301) 588-5548
Basic jewelry equipment
- Talisman Associates, Inc.
785G Rockville Pike
Rockville, MD 20852
(301) 279-0141
Beads
- Richmond Jewelry Supply
8605 Cameron St.
Silver Spring, MD 20912
(301) 585-4653
Discount 14k gold findings
- Read Plastics
12331 Wilkins Ave.
Rockville, MD 20852
(301) 881-7900
Plastic of all kinds for stakes, hammers, display
- Alexandria Metal Finishers Inc.
100-106 South Early St.
Alexandria, VA 22304
(703) 751-4555
Plating and anodizing
- Brookstone Hard-to-Find Tools
The Mall in Columbia
Columbia, MD
Or Tysons Corner Center
McLean, VA
GENERAL INFORMATION
Maps, guidebooks, and brochures are available from the following sources:
Tourism Department
Washington Convention and Visitors Assoc.
1575 "Eye" Street N.W., Suite 250
Washington, DC 20005
(202) 789-7000
Visitor's packets will be mailed upon request at no charge.
Tourism Information Center Commerce Building
1400 Pennsylvania Ave. N.W.
Visitors already in the city can pick up a wide range of information here.
Washington Chamber of Commerce
1341 G St. N.W., Suite 312
Washington, DC 20005
(202) 789-7000
Provides a tourist information packet containing maps, hotel information, tours, information on metro lines and dining guide. There is no charge for the packet, but send $1.32 to cover postage.
Acknowledgements
I would like to express my appreciation to Michael Monroe of the Renwich Gallery and Yvonne Arritt for their aid in assembling this information.
Betty Helen Longhi is a metalsmith living in Delaware but active in the Washington, DC area.
