Other Reed & Barton Links

The history of Reed & Barton is now spread through several libraries, archives, and collections. Each contains a different body of information, from business and legal records to design and marketing documents.  

Appleton’s Journal, December, 1878

December 1878’s entry in the American At Work series was called Among the Silver-Platers and used the Reed & Barton factory as its model to explain the various processes, techniques, and workers employed to make silver-plated objects. Photographs of factory workers in action were converted to engravings to illustrate the fourteen page article which provides invaluable descriptions of and insights into the workings of the company.

Read at UMichigan

The Fine Art of Sterling Design (original title: Romance of Silver Design), c.1959

Kenneth and Shirley Richter produced this promotional film for Reed & Barton. Although undated, it features scenes of John (Jack) Prip working at the factory (he was there from 1957 to 1961) and Gio Ponti designing what became the Diamond pattern which was introduced in 1958. R&B Design Director Theodore Cayer is also featured. Originally created for use in education (colleges and high schools), as promotion (to women groups and at dealer locations), the film later made its way onto television, finding an enormous audience.

The original 16 mm film is in the collection of the Harvard Baker Business Library.

Watch on YouTube

John (Jack) Prip section
Gio Ponti section

Oral History Interview with Jack Prip, 1997

Unedited raw footage created for the RISD Oral History Project, Professor John (Jack) Axel Prip (1923-2009) interviewed by alumnus Jonathan Bonner. Prip, discusses his teaching and design experience prior to coming to RISD, the development of the Jewelry and Metals program, and various individuals associated with the School during his time at RISD (1960-1980). Directed by Frank Muhly.

Watch here.