About Alphonse La Paglia

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In the heart of post-war America, a young Sicilian silversmith named Alphonse La Paglia embarked on a journey that would etch his name in the annals of American design. Leaving behind the rustic shores of Sicily, La Paglia sought fortune and artistic freedom in New York City, a bustling metropolis ripe with opportunity and hungry for innovation. Here, he caught the eye of Frederick Lunning, the man behind the prestigious Georg Jensen store, who was desperately searching for a master craftsman to substitute the Danish imports halted by the war.<br><br> By 1948, driven by a vision to create without constraints, La Paglia had established his own workshop in New Jersey, crafting pieces that bore his unique touch yet resonated with Jensen's elegance. This venture was short-lived, as in 1952 he aligned with the International Silver Company and relocated to Meriden, Connecticut. There he set up a small workshop behind his home and formed International Sterling Craft Associates. Tragically, La Paglia's brilliance was extinguished too soon, as he passed away in November 1953, leaving behind a legacy characterized by exceptional craftsmanship and a brief but impactful career.<br><br> What distinguished La Paglia's work was not just his affiliation with Jensen or his subsequent solo creations but his commitment to quality and detail. His pieces, often compared to Jensen's but uniquely his own, are a testament to his skill and vision. Despite the brevity of his career, Alphonse La Paglia remains a beloved figure in the annals of American silver design, celebrated for his unique blend of American vigor and European finesse.