John Prip

Born in the United States, John Prip, himself a fourth generation metalworker, moved to Denmark at an early age and apprenticed with a master silversmith, Evald Nielsen. Upon his return to the US in 1948, he founded two major metalsmithing programs at the Rochester Institute of Technology in Rochester, NY and at the Rhode Island School of Design in Providence, RI. Known for his technical virtuosity, Prip was one of the most influential American artist/teachers of metalsmithing in the 20th century. Constantly experimenting and stretching his ideas, Prip worked on commercial endeavors as well, including opening a gallery called Shop One and designing for silver producers Reed & Barton.

Education: Copenhagen Technical College, Denmark