Kurt Aepli

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Kurt Aepli (born 14 May 1914 in

educator
.

Life

Aepli completed his education as a silversmith at the School of Applied Arts (today, the Berufschule für Gestaltung) in

Richard P. Lohse, but also the Bauhaus
were each of most apparent influence throughout Aepli's entire career.

Creative output

The success of the companies Burch-Korrodi and Trudel Juwelier was due in large part to the professional-technical know-how and the creative contribution of Aepli. In the studio of Meinrad Burch, the almost legendary "goldsmith-triumvirate", as it was referred to locally in the trade, eventually developed. It consisted of Aepli (chief designer), Martin Bucher (chef d’atelier) and Berger Bergersen (master enameler), all three of whom were professionally and technically equally adept, complemented one another's respective fields of expertise and wored famously as a team.

Aepli's style might best be described as the evolution of

Art Déco. Using a scientific approach, compositions methodically evolved from the basic geometric
shapes, using nothing but flat, square or round stock. Yet a close observation of nature and its creations led him to conclude that there were no incorrect forms, colors or sounds in nature, which is recognizable throughout his decade-long creative activity.

This dynamic was maximized by the inclusive application of high-value materials. Lines, forms and shapes were pared down to their essence in a sure-footed manner that was as consistent as it was calculating. As a consequence, these pieces required the most exacting standards of execution. Jewelry, frequently using unusual gemstones, and ecclesiastical implements were created by him, both at Burch-Korrodi, as well as later at Trudel Juwelier. Besides designing, Aepli frequently carried out the silversmithing jobs himself.

Although the clientele consisted mainly of aficionados and collectors, the name of Kurt Aepli was little known to the general public. For decades, his oeuvre was shrouded under the studio of Burch-Korrodi.[4] Although this manner of prescribed anonymity bothered him, his unmistakable style left its mark on goldsmiths and silversmiths, reaching far beyond the German-speaking part of Switzerland, particularly north of the Alps. He set new standards for the creation of jewelry and implements.

Educational career

1945 Kurt Aepli was elected a specialist subject teacher to the School of Arts in Zurich,

rendering from him. Besides teaching compulsory trade curricula, Aepli also taught continuing education night classes at the School of Arts in Zurich, providing tradespeople with an opportunity to further their skills in silversmith techniques. Here too, Aepli's creative abilities were greatly appreciated by students, leaving their mark on many of them. He retired from his 35-year career as an educator at the School of Arts in Zurich in April 1980.[6]

Exhibitions

  • Swiss National Museum, Zürich: Swiss Jewelry in the 20th Century (Schweizerschmuck im 20. Jahrhundert)

Notes

  1. ^ Widmer, Peter (2003). "Kurt Aepli–ein grosser Gestalter und Pädagoge". Gold'Or 2/03 (in German). pp. 158–159.
  2. ^ Schweizerische St. Lukasgesellschaft (1954). Sakrale Kunst–Gold- und Silberarbeiten aus der Werkstatt Meinrad Burch-Korrodi (in German). Würzburg: Echter Verlag. p. 175.
  3. ISBN 3-908025-90-7
    .
  4. ISBN 3-7291-1093-4
    .
  5. ^ Lanz, Hanspeter (January 3, 2003). "Ein Künstler der Moderne" [A Modernist Artist]. Neue Zürcher Zeitung (in German).
  6. ^ Widmer, Peter (2003). "Kurt Aepli–ein grosser Gestalter und Pädagoge". Gold'Or 2/03 (in German). pp. 158–159.

Further reading

  • Antoinette Riklin-Schelbert: 20th Century Swiss Art Jewelry–Schmuckzeichnen Schweiz 20. Jahrhundert
  • Schweizerische St. Lukasgesellschaft: Sakrale Kunst–Gold- und Silberarbeiten aus der Werkstatt Meinrad Burch-Korrodi
  • Karl Iten: Aufbruch zur neuen Form – Der Goldschmied Meinrad Burch-Korrodi 1897–1978 und seine Werkstatt
  • Graham Hughes: Modern Silver Throughout the World 1880–1967
  • Dr. Ulla Stöver: Email, Kunst aus dem Feuer
  • Ernst A. and Jean Heiniger: The Great Book of Jewels
  • Peter Widmer: A Legacy of Creativity, translation by Robert Ackermann and Robert Kilborn (Professional Jeweler, July 2004)

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Kurt Aepli.
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