Biography

The Kalo Shop was a prominent American workshop known for its contributions to the Arts and Crafts movement, particularly in the realm of silverware. Founded in 1900 in Chicago by Clara Pauline Barck Welles and a group of fellow Art Institute of Chicago graduates, the Kalo Shop initially focused on a variety of crafts including jewelry, textiles, and leather goods. Over time, the shop became renowned for its hand-wrought silver flatware and hollowware, as well as gold and silver jewelry. Under the leadership of Welles, the Kalo Shop became a significant player in the Arts and Crafts movement, emphasizing handcrafted techniques and artistic design. The shop employed a diverse group of artisans, including many Scandinavian immigrant craftsmen, and was notable for hiring women designers almost exclusively. At its peak, the Kalo Shop employed 25 silversmiths and was recognized for its high-quality craftsmanship and unique designs. The Kalo Shop's pieces are highly sought after by collectors and are included in major museum collections. The workshop continued to produce its signature designs until it closed in 1970, largely due to the challenges of finding new apprentices willing to learn the demanding craft of silversmithing.