Signed FHB Modernist Silver Jewelry

by Elena 12.10.2024

Comedy and tragedy masks sterling silver pins. Signed FHB Modernist Silver Jewelry

Signed FHB Modernist Silver Jewelry

Frances Holmes Boothby (1919–2000) created unique modernist jewelry for nearly four decades, from the mid-1940s to the early 1980s. In addition to traditional modernist geometric and abstract designs, she made unique, whimsical pieces inspired by cartoons, including the Bird and Animal series.

Working primarily in sterling silver, Frances sometimes used gold, brass, wood, resin, natural stones, pearls, and glass. She signed her pieces with the capital letters STERLING and the lowercase initials fhb.

Undoubtedly, Frances Holmes Boothby made a significant contribution to the American wearable art movement through her exhibitions and teaching of jewelry making. For example, in 1948, she first presented her work at the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis. As early as 1955, she opened a studio in New York where she created her jewelry and taught jewelry making.

According to 1958 newspaper ad, Frances Holmes Boothby exhibited her jewelry at New York State Fair. Later, Frances handcrafted jewelry in her Silver Workshop in Weston, Vermont, where she was active until the early 1980s. Frances Holmes Boothby died at the age of 80 in Sedona, Arizona.

Made in limited quantities, today the artist’s works can be found both in the collections of lovers of modernist and vintage jewelry, and in national art galleries.