Famous Crafters Throughout History

Looking for some inspiration? Before the modern day conveniences of Hobby Lobby and Etsy, crafters were still dedicating their lives to creating awesome, handmade goods. Here are some quick bios of several famous crafters, and the wares they made.

Antonio Stradivari

It’s hard enough to imagine creating a stringed instrument with modern tools, much less with what was available in the 1600s. But, that’s exactly what this Italian master-luthier did. And he made his violins, cellos, violas, and other stringed instruments with such precision that they are still considered the best ever created, with only one modern luthier commanding similar respect. The instruments are known for their precise carving and pure sound. In today’s market, a Stradivari instrument can sell for hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars.

Peter Carl Faberge

Carl Faberge grew up in the mid 19th century in St. Petersburg, Russia, the son of a jewelry maker. Carl was no papa’s boy, however, and when he hit adulthood he traveled throughout major European centers to hone his art of jewelry making. Before Carl took it over, the Faberge jewelry shop wasn’t very distinct; it followed the popular aesthetic of the time, which called for covering a piece of jewelry in the largest, gaudiest stones possible. Carl’s own design aesthetic was different, and focused on crafting pieces that were more intricate, and often, playful. After making himself handy repairing collections for a government institution called the Imperial Court, he caught the eye of the czar. 1885 would be the year that Faberge created his famous egg on commission for the czar, in celebration of Easter.

Louis Comfort Tiffany

Europe wasn’t the only place with spectacular master craftsmen. In America in the late 19th and early 20th century, Louis Comfort Tiffany established himself as an incredible artist in stained glass, especially windows and lampshades. While he started out as a painter, Tiffany soon focused on glass, pioneering his own design techniques and creating pieces in the style of the arts and crafts and art deco movements. Perhaps one of his most famous commissions was redesigning the White House for the move-in of President Chester Arthur. Later in his career, Tiffany founded a company and began commercial production of his famous stained glass lamps. He also accepted the position of design director for his father’s jewelry firm, Tiffany and Co.

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