Allan Adler Silversmith
Born in 1916, Allan Adler was the grandson of English stage star Lillian Fox and Thomas Fox, pianist and only a small child when his parents, August and Daisy moved from Montana to Burbank, California.
In 1938, Allan wedded Rebecca Blanchard, daughter of the well-known silversmith, Porter Blanchard. Lacking sons to carry on his craft, Porter was eager to teach Allan the art of silversmithing.
Having mastered the artform by 1940, Allan Adler opened his studio on Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood, California. For forty years, this was the location where Allan mastered designing, spinning, forging and polished both gold and silver. Jewelry was added to the Allan Adler line of flatware and hollowware during the 1950's. By following the natural contours of gems, Allan and George Houston pioneered free-form stone-setting.
In the 1950's, the company's luxurious output could be purchased in over 80 exclusive stores throughout the U.S. It was in this era, that Hollywood discovered Allan's work. For Frank Sinatra, he designed an ebony and gold watch band. For Vincent Price's wife, Mary, Allan created an elegant setting for a 50 carat Topaz. Hollywood also enjoyed giving an Allan Adler gift at weddings. Such was the case with the pewter and ebony cups presented by Clark Gable and Carole Lombard to Jack Benny and Mary Livingston.
Well into the 2000's , Paul Newman consistently gifted his friends with Allan Adler handwrought work, as did Eleanor Roosevelt and Michael Jackson during their life times.
Outside of Hollywood clients like Katherine Hepburn and Steven Spielberg, the art world honored Allan Adler's designs.
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In 1959, the Museum of Modern Art in New York presented Allan with a "Good Design" award.
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In 1982, the Smithsonian Institution honored Allan for his contributions for "American Metalsmithing & Jewelry 1940-1950" and
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in 1985, Allan was selected as one of nineteen craftsmen in the Living Treasures of California exhibition.
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In 2011, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art will be exhibiting Allan Adler works.
One of Allan Adler's tea services – inspired by Paul Revere and designed in the 1940's sold at Sotheby's auction for close to one million dollars.
The American Film Institute commissioned Allan Adler to design its trophy; the first two recipients were John Ford in 1973 and James Cagney in 1974. Later on, the Miss USA and Miss Universe organizations commissioned crowns with Allan.
The Governor's Mansion within the State of California features a set of sterling flatware made by Allan Adler and the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences commissioned Allan Adler to make its mini Oscars for their winners.
Prior to the passing of Allan Adler in 2002, the designer's daughter, Cynthia and grandson Danny joined the company. They are now carrying on the rich tradition of elegant design under the watchful eye of Mrs. Becca Adler, Allan's sweetheart.
