Gorham Silver-An American Classic

Since 1831, when it was founded, the Gorham Company of Providence, Rhode Island, has grown from a small shop making coin silver spoons to the largest maker of sterling silverwares in the world by the beginning of the twentieth century. In addition to Gorham's commercial silverwares, the company made a line of innovative art wares. The company also made thimbles, combs, jewelry, and other small items. In 1842, a tariff which effectively blocked the importation of silverware from outside the United States was passed, this aided the American silver industry. In 1852 Gorham toured many of Europe's silver workshops and manufacturers, speaking with individual specialists, including master craftsMen and toolmakers.

Gorham Silver-An American Classic

Gorham Silver-An American Classic

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Gorham Silver-An American Classic

Gorham Silver-An American Classic

In 1890the company relocated to a factory on Adelaide Avenue in Providence, Rhode Island. John Gorham (1820-1898), president of the company from 1848 until 1878, (20) made trips to Europe in 1852 and 1860 to buy steam-powered equipMent and to hire craftsMen; he also bought finished items for resale. The company was purchased by Textron in 1967, a move that some critics claim decreased quality due to manageMent's lack of understanding of Gorham's specialty, producing high-quality sterling silverware and basket placement.

Gorham was owned by Brown-Forman Corporation from 1991 to 2005 until it was sold to Department 56 in the Lenox holdings transaction. Today the company is still known for its excellent quality and has a world class reputation.

Gorham Silver-An American Classic