Fabergé workmaster
Encyclopedia
A Fabergé workmaster is a craftsman who owned his own workshop and produced jewelry, silver or objets d'art for the House of Fabergé When Carl Fabergé took over the running of the business in 1882, its output increased so rapidly that the two Fabergé brothers could not manage all the workshops themselves. They therefore decided to establish independent workshops. The owners of these were committed to only work for the House of Fabergé that would supply the sketches and models of the objects to be made. Nothing would be accepted by the House unless it had been approved by either Carl or his appointed deputy. The House of Fabergé also employed its own designers. However we also know from the Memoirs of François Birbaum written in 1919 (Birbaum was Head Designer of the House of Fabergé from 1896-1917), that Carl also designed himself.
The workmasters, presided over teams of craftsmen and were responsible for executing pieces conceived by the company's designers. The House of Fabergé was staffed with some of the finest goldsmiths and jewelers available.
It is often said that Fabergé did not make anything produced by the House of Fabergé. It is true that nothing has survived that can be said to have been the work of Carl Fabergé, which is a little different from saying he never made anything. His father, Gustav Fabergé and the founder of the House of Fabergé, ensured that his eldest son received the best possible training to take over the business. After Carl’s education in St Petersburg, this was followed by a course at the Arts and Crafts School in Dresden, the city to which his parents had retired. He then embarked on an eight year Grand Tour of Europe where he received tuition from respected goldsmiths in Germany, France and England. The ‘apprenticeship’ with these goldsmiths would have resulted in Carl working at the bench and producing objects.
When Carl returned to the House of Fabergé in St Petersburg during 1872 his father’s trusted Workmaster Hiskias Pendin acted as his mentor and tutor. This would also have involved Carl working at the bench and producing objects. Interestingly, when he was awarded the title Master Goldsmith in 1882, his reputation was then so high that the usual three-day examination was waived. This would not have happened if he had never made anything.
The business was divided into several workshops, each with its own specialty. In addition to the fabulous easter eggs, the workshop also produced table silver, jewelry, European-style trinkets, and Russian-style carvings. The two master jewelers most responsible for making the Fabergé eggs were Michael Perchin
and Finnish-born Henrik Wigström
. Born in 1860, Perchin became the leading workmaster in the House of Fabergé in 1886 and supervised production of the eggs until 1903. Those eggs he was responsible for have his MP (MP- Michael Perchin) markings. All signed eggs made after 1903 bear Henrik Wigstrom's HW mark. Of course, not all eggs were stamped, so other goldsmiths may have supervised production of some of the eggs. Altogether there have been more than 40 workmasters.
The workmasters, presided over teams of craftsmen and were responsible for executing pieces conceived by the company's designers. The House of Fabergé was staffed with some of the finest goldsmiths and jewelers available.
It is often said that Fabergé did not make anything produced by the House of Fabergé. It is true that nothing has survived that can be said to have been the work of Carl Fabergé, which is a little different from saying he never made anything. His father, Gustav Fabergé and the founder of the House of Fabergé, ensured that his eldest son received the best possible training to take over the business. After Carl’s education in St Petersburg, this was followed by a course at the Arts and Crafts School in Dresden, the city to which his parents had retired. He then embarked on an eight year Grand Tour of Europe where he received tuition from respected goldsmiths in Germany, France and England. The ‘apprenticeship’ with these goldsmiths would have resulted in Carl working at the bench and producing objects.
When Carl returned to the House of Fabergé in St Petersburg during 1872 his father’s trusted Workmaster Hiskias Pendin acted as his mentor and tutor. This would also have involved Carl working at the bench and producing objects. Interestingly, when he was awarded the title Master Goldsmith in 1882, his reputation was then so high that the usual three-day examination was waived. This would not have happened if he had never made anything.
The business was divided into several workshops, each with its own specialty. In addition to the fabulous easter eggs, the workshop also produced table silver, jewelry, European-style trinkets, and Russian-style carvings. The two master jewelers most responsible for making the Fabergé eggs were Michael Perchin
Michael Perchin
Michael Evlampievich Perchin was born in Petrozavodsk and died in St. Petersburg. He was one of the most important Fabergé workmasters next to Henrik Wigström. Perchin became the leading workmaster in the House of Fabergé in 1886 and supervised production of the eggs until his death in 1903...
and Finnish-born Henrik Wigström
Henrik Wigström
Henrik Immanuel Wigström was one of the most important Fabergé workmasters along with Michael Perchin Perchin was the head work master from 1886 until his death in 1903, when he was succeeded by his chief assistant Henrik Wigstrom...
. Born in 1860, Perchin became the leading workmaster in the House of Fabergé in 1886 and supervised production of the eggs until 1903. Those eggs he was responsible for have his MP (MP- Michael Perchin) markings. All signed eggs made after 1903 bear Henrik Wigstrom's HW mark. Of course, not all eggs were stamped, so other goldsmiths may have supervised production of some of the eggs. Altogether there have been more than 40 workmasters.
List of Fabergé workmasters (not complete)
- 1st Silver- Artel (1896-1917). FabergéFabergéFabergé may refer to:*House of Fabergé, a Russian jewelry firm founded by Gustav Faberge in 1842*Fabergé workmaster, goldsmiths who produced jewelry for the House of Fabergé*Fabergé eggs, the most famous works of the House of Faberge...
commissioned many silver articles from the 1st Silver-Artel. Mark is: '1CA'. - Aarne, Johan Victor (1863-1934) a Finnish workmaster whose signature is to be found on enameled gold and silver articles. Mark is 'VA' in Russian Cyrillic ('BA').
- Afanasiev, Feodor Alexeievich, made small objects of gild silver, guilloché enamel and hardstone objects with gild-silver, small frames and cigarette cases. His mark is 'FA' in Cyrillic (Ф.A.).
- Armfeldt, Karl Gustaf Hjalmar (1873-1959) a Finnish workmaster, producing enameled objects for FabergéFabergéFabergé may refer to:*House of Fabergé, a Russian jewelry firm founded by Gustav Faberge in 1842*Fabergé workmaster, goldsmiths who produced jewelry for the House of Fabergé*Fabergé eggs, the most famous works of the House of Faberge...
until 1916. His mark is 'Ya A' in Cyrillic (ЯA). - Gorianov, Andrei carried on the workshop of Wilhelm Reimer after his death in c.1898. His mark is 'AG' in Cyrillic (AГ).
- Hollming, August Frederik (1854-1915) born in Loppi, Finland, a Finnish workmaster who worked for Faberge from 1880. His mark is 'A*H'.
- Holmström, Albert (1876-1925) a Finnish workmaster, born in Kirkkonummi, Finland. He was a son of August Holmström. Used the mark of 'AH' same as August Wilhelm HolmströmAugust Wilhelm HolmströmAugust Wilhelm Holmström, Finnish and Russian silver- and goldsmith. Born in Helsinki, Finland in 1829. Apprentice in St. Petersburg, master in 1857 with his own workshop. Senior member of Fabergé's workshop, he was head jeweler and also produced parts for composite articles. Died in 1903...
. - Holmström, August Wilhelm (1829-1903) a Finnish workmaster, who was appointed chief jeweler by Gustav FabergéGustav FabergéGustav Fabergé was a Russian jeweller of Baltic German origin and father of the famous Peter Carl Fabergé, maker of Fabergé eggs. He established his own business in Saint Petersburg, which his son inherited....
in 1857. His mark is 'AH'.
- Johannes Zehngraf (1857-1908) was the chief miniature painter for FabergéFabergéFabergé may refer to:*House of Fabergé, a Russian jewelry firm founded by Gustav Faberge in 1842*Fabergé workmaster, goldsmiths who produced jewelry for the House of Fabergé*Fabergé eggs, the most famous works of the House of Faberge...
and decorated the Lilies of the Valley Egg.
- Kollin, Erik August (1836-1901) Fabergé's Finnish head workmaster until 1886. His mark is 'E.K.'
- Krijitski, Konstantin painted miniatures for the Caucasus Egg and the Danish Palace Egg.
- Lundell, Karl Gustav Johanson, head workmaster of FabergéFabergéFabergé may refer to:*House of Fabergé, a Russian jewelry firm founded by Gustav Faberge in 1842*Fabergé workmaster, goldsmiths who produced jewelry for the House of Fabergé*Fabergé eggs, the most famous works of the House of Faberge...
's Odessa branch. His mark is 'GL' in Cyrillic.
- Mayer, Victor (1857-1946), a German jewelry manufacturing company that was appointed workmaster by the Unilever company in 1989. His mark is "VM".
- Michelson, Anders (1839-?) a Finnish workmaster who made gold cigarette cases and small enameled objects. His hallmark is 'AM'.
- Nevalainen, Anders (1858-1933), a Finnish workmaster, maker's mark AN.
- Niukkanen, Gabriel, a Finnish workmaster. Had an independent workshop in the Kazanskaya Street in St. Petersburg in the 1870s years. Workmaster for Fabergé in 1885. Made small silver and gold articles, enameled frames and cigarette cases from gold and silver.
- Perchin, Michael (Michael Evlampievitch Perchin) (1860-1903) is the most famous of FabergéFabergéFabergé may refer to:*House of Fabergé, a Russian jewelry firm founded by Gustav Faberge in 1842*Fabergé workmaster, goldsmiths who produced jewelry for the House of Fabergé*Fabergé eggs, the most famous works of the House of Faberge...
's workmasters. He was responsible for the crafting of the imperial Easter eggs from 1885 or 1886 until his death in 1903. His hallmark appears on all but the first egg made during those years. Although he was initially trained by rural craftsmen, Perchin's mature work recalls elements of the rococoRococoRococo , also referred to as "Late Baroque", is an 18th-century style which developed as Baroque artists gave up their symmetry and became increasingly ornate, florid, and playful...
and Louis XV styles. His hallmarks: 'M.P.' in Russian Cyrillic. - Pihl, Alma (1888 Moscow - 1976 Helsinki), Oskar Pihl's daughter, the only female and one of the best known designer/workmaster who worked for Faberge. As a self traineed designer she started to work for Faberge in 1909. She designed the famous Winter Easter Egg in 1913 and Mosaic Easter Egg, which now belongs to the collection of H. M. the queen Elisabeth of Great Britain, in 1914, and also many pieces of fine jewellry of which the most famous is a collection of snowflake jewellry.
- Pihl, Oskar Woldemar (1860-1897), Finnish-born, One of the most famous head workmasters at The House of Fabergé. Made small items of jewellery such as tie pin. His mark: 'OP'.
- Prakhov painted the icon of the Resurrection of Christ for the Red Cross Egg with Resurrection Triptych.
- Rappoport, Julius (1864-1916) FabergéFabergéFabergé may refer to:*House of Fabergé, a Russian jewelry firm founded by Gustav Faberge in 1842*Fabergé workmaster, goldsmiths who produced jewelry for the House of Fabergé*Fabergé eggs, the most famous works of the House of Faberge...
’s most important supplier of silver objects in St.Petersburg. His mark is 'I.R.' in Cyrillic (I.P.). - Reimer, Wilhelm (d. circa 1898), born in Pernau, EstoniaEstoniaEstonia , officially the Republic of Estonia , is a state in the Baltic region of Northern Europe. It is bordered to the north by the Gulf of Finland, to the west by the Baltic Sea, to the south by Latvia , and to the east by Lake Peipsi and the Russian Federation . Across the Baltic Sea lies...
made small enamel and gold objects. His master mark: 'W.R'. - Ringe, Philip Theodor, had own workshop from 1893. Made objects in enameled gold and silver. His mark is 'T.R'.
- Rückert, Feodor (1840-1917) workmaster in Moscow, made cloisonné enamel articles for FabergéFabergéFabergé may refer to:*House of Fabergé, a Russian jewelry firm founded by Gustav Faberge in 1842*Fabergé workmaster, goldsmiths who produced jewelry for the House of Fabergé*Fabergé eggs, the most famous works of the House of Faberge...
. His mark is 'F.R.' in Cyrillic (Ф.Р.).
- Soloviev, Vladimir, his mark can be found under the enamel on pieces made for export to England. Made similar object to Philip Theodor RingePhilip Theodor RingePhilip Theodor Ringe, Russian silversmith and jeweler, Fabergé workmaster. Born in Riga in 1824. Was head of a small workshop at 12 Malaya Morskaya producing modest articles in gold and silver. He was an outworker for Fabergé with the mark 'T.R'. After his death, in 1882, his widow Anna was the...
. His mark is VS in Cyrillic ('BC').
- Tillander, A., was a family business owned and managed by Alexander Tillander, father and son.
- Thielemann, Alfred (?-between 1890-1910), from GermanyGermanyGermany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
. active jeweller for FabergéFabergéFabergé may refer to:*House of Fabergé, a Russian jewelry firm founded by Gustav Faberge in 1842*Fabergé workmaster, goldsmiths who produced jewelry for the House of Fabergé*Fabergé eggs, the most famous works of the House of Faberge...
from 1880. Produced small trinkets and jewellery. His work was continued by his Son Karl Rudolph Thielemann. The master mark was 'AT'.
- Wigström, Henrik (1862-1923) became head workmaster upon Michael PerchinMichael PerchinMichael Evlampievich Perchin was born in Petrozavodsk and died in St. Petersburg. He was one of the most important Fabergé workmasters next to Henrik Wigström. Perchin became the leading workmaster in the House of Fabergé in 1886 and supervised production of the eggs until his death in 1903...
's death in 1903, thereby assuming responsibility for the imperial Easter eggs. Wigström was particularly adept at designing cigarette caseCigarette caseA cigarette case or cigarette box is a sturdy, most commonly metal container to store small numbers of cigarettes safely from crushing. In modern times they are also made of plastic....
s, frames and figurines, which were produced in large number during the firm's most productive years. Wigström's style is characterized by echoes of the Louis XVI and Empire (style)Empire (style)The Empire style, , sometimes considered the second phase of Neoclassicism, is an early-19th-century design movement in architecture, furniture, other decorative arts, and the visual arts followed in Europe and America until around 1830, although in the U. S. it continued in popularity in...
periods. His hallmarks: 'H.W.' - Wäkevä, Alexander, a Finnish workmaster, Stephan Wäkevä's son. Master mark: 'A.W'.
- Wäkevä, Constantine, a Finnish workmaster, Stefan Wäkevä's son.
- Wäkevä, Stephen, a Finnish workmaster from 1856. His and his son's (Alexander Wäkevä) initials can be found on a number of Fabergé silver pieces. He specialised in large silver items and tableware. His mark is 'S.W' in Latin script.
- Vassily Zuiev (active 1908-1917) possibly succeeded Zehngraf as chief miniature painter and painted on enamels as well as ivory. An important example of his work is the Fifteenth Anniversary Egg.