Silverware has been a treasured element of dining culture for centuries. From the days of ancient Greece and Rome, silver tableware has graced tables with its timeless elegance. During medieval times, it was not only a symbol of sophisticated dining but also, a magnificent display of aristocratic grandeur. It was often regarded as a reserve of precious metal for times of financial need. From vessels and tableware, coins could be minted after melting them down to cover expenses. Family silver became a cherished part of a valuable heritage, passed down from generation to generation, unless financial hardship necessitated forced its sale.
Jean-Paul Vaugoin, the current steward of one of Europe’s oldest silverware families, offer fascinating insights into their exceptional and storied craftsmanship.
Studio Omana is delighted to have explored this inspiring conversation.
You lead the Vaugoin family business in its sixth generation. When did you take the helm and what inspired you to steer the silversmithing tradition?
I took the business over in 2003. I was just 20 years old. After high-school and military service I started at the University of Economics in Vienna. My aim was to become a banker, stockbroker as fast as possible. Suddenly, my father passed away, and my brothers and I had to ask ourselves whether to close the books of our family business or to open a new chapter. Sometimes a bit of juvenile flippancy helps and so I took over the company. At that time, the economic situation was very difficult but from the very beginning I felt that our clients regard our products as something very special. I knew that we needed to improve. My motto was and still is: “Tradition is not the worship of ashes, but the transmission of fire!”.
What childhood memories do you have with the silversmithing tradition?
As a little boy, I loved to bend and break little spoons…I didn’t understand why my parents got angry, since there were so many spoons in the house. When visiting our workshop, I was fascinated by the sound of big hammers and the smell of wood, oil, metal which still today are very special to me. My parents always cared about our table manners, and especially for my father it was very important to raise us as ‘gentlemen’. So, I became aware quite early about the values and customs of the silversmithing traditions.
In the 21st century, what role do these timeless treasures play in our modern table culture?
Everything you mentioned are still values which count today. Some of our clients see their Sterling tableware as a reserve for bad times. Most of the European clients follow their own family traditions or want to create new traditions. Internationally there might be also different aspects, but I assume, everybody, doesn’t matter where in the world, appreciates a nicely set-up table, where friends and family gather to have a wonderful dinner. I regard our unique pieces to underline and limelight the beauty of these occasions.
What sets your products apart, and makes them truly exceptional?
First and foremost, I believe it’s the technical aspect. Every piece is hand-made and thus unique. We use modern technology, such as 3D prototyping/casting, but only where it helps us. For example, to make a prototype in wax. We always want to reach the highest quality. So, every piece is filed and polished by hand to create a perfect surface. Our product range is also exceptional. We have special flatware for ‘any’ kind of food and dish, from grapefruit spoons and orange knifes, to ice-cream bowls, holders, trays, cups, shakers, cufflinks, money clips, earrings, pendants, necklaces, and much more.
Could you highlight a few of these and are they still in demand in 2024?
It’s quite interesting that all of these – what we may think - ‘out-dated’ items are still in demand. Of course, we don’t sell these special pieces every day, but these are very important to me to keep in our product range.
As the steward of one of Europe’s most esteemed silversmithing houses, where do you perceive the greatest challenges and opportunities in today’s world?
Our clients come from all over the world, consequently the challenge is to bring our brand into different markets. I’m not able to manage this alone, so I need strategic partners in different markets, as Studio Omana. It’s important that my business partners understand our products, the quality and the special elements that make our brand. Beside the regular production and tailor-made articles, we also cater for special events, such as weddings, coronations, and parties with our silverware. Further partnerships with international brand such as Cartier, LVMH etc., are becoming more and more important.
You travel the globe to showcase your products, and you also offer silverware for rent, catering to extraordinary weddings and other prestigious events. What have been the most remarkable occasions and locations you’ve been a part of?
Usually, I don’t mention any clients but setting up tables for the ‘Queen’s Platinum Jubilee’ in 2022, and for the coronation of King Charles in 2023 are very exceptional. Also, the Royal Palace in Doha was very impressive. The table setting for another coronation in Malaysia was also one of the most memorable. And to end, I recall a client’s celebration on a super-yacht in France… It was a very nice spot to work from.
And what do you particularly love about your role in the family business?
I feel it as a great honour. I’m part of something very important- for the family, and our country, Austria. And if I can play my little contribute part to making a party successful, I’m very happy.
Table culture must undoubtedly play a central role in your home. What are the essential elements that compose a flawlessly elegant and refined table setting?
It becomes more and more important to develop your own style and to create something unique, even if simple. International brands are great but nowadays true class is to find your own taste. So, get a little piece in an antique shop in Paris and a new silver chandelier in Vienna and mix them with something old from your family… Then your guests will remember your tablescape! It of course depends on the occasion, but I see tablecloths and linen napkins as a must. Then add a nice Sterling cutlery and mouth-blown glasses, light up candles, get some nice flowers and you’ll have a very elegant table.
Where do you envision the silversmithing craft a decade from now?
Artificial intelligence will become very important in everyday life but will not replace the need for skilled craftsmen. Carpenters, glassmakers, silversmiths will always be in demand. The importance of customer service and the pursuit of quality will ensure craftsmanship will thrive. I see a bright future for our craft.
