Robert Taylor, Metalsmith
Robert Taylor, metalsmith and coppersmith, is a Master Roycroft Artisan who creates exciting new work by pushing the limits of the material and adding different metals and techniques.
Robert Taylor, Master Coppersmith
Coppersmith Robert Taylor is a Master Roycroft Artisan. He is one of only 5 Master Coppersmiths in the country to hold the honor of that title after passing a stringent jury with the submission of four flawless master level pieces. On the bottom of each piece handmade by Robert you will find a special touch mark, or stamp, with his initials and one that denotes his work is made in the Roycroft style.
As a metalsmith, the main focus of Robert’s current work is to take the fine craftsmanship of the Roycrofters and the Shakers and combine the best of each. Then, with these main elements push the limits of the material and add different metals and techniques to make exciting new work.
Robert began working with metal as a blacksmith about 28 years ago. Through the years he has studied with many master blacksmiths from the United States and Europe. After seven years concentrating on iron as the medium of choice, Robert was introduced to copper which he fell in love with. Robert started coppersmithing by making different whimsical critters and weather vanes.
These pieces are reminiscent of pieces made during the “Arts and Craft” period from about 1900 –1930. Robert was able to work with Master Roycroft Artisan Robert Trout to help him with the fundamentals of the style, then he taught himself the finer points of design.
Continuing to learn the art of coppersmithing by studying the work of the old masters of the craft is his passion. Each piece that Robert makes has the feel of the old work blended with his own style. Robert won the 2007/2008 Fellowship in Craft awarded by the Alabama State Council on the Arts.
