Philipp Gröninger

WERKSTATT FÜR SCHMUCK & TISCHKULTUR

Silversmith

Preserving culture in silver

Philipp followed in his father's footsteps
He trained in a monastery workshop
He is a master goldsmith, silversmith and restorer

In a corner of his goldsmith father’s workshop, the young Philipp Gröninger had his own little workbench where he spent his childhood days immersed in working with precious metals and other materials. So there was never any doubt about what he wanted to become. “I never asked myself what I wanted to learn. It was given to me early on and it was always clear to me,” he says. He completed an apprenticeship with the monastery workshop in Vallendar and progressed to the rank of master silversmith and restorer. The astounding quality of his work is valued by the principality of Sayn-Wittgenstein-Sayn, and he has been recognised with awards including the Staats- und Förderpreis Rheinland Pfalz 2019.

Interview

A monastery seems a surprising place for an apprentice...: It might, but it was very rewarding to me as it put great importance on history and craftsmanship. My master challenged me on a daily basis and taught me precision and accuracy. He was a perfectionist, with extensive knowledge that he passed on to me. So I was able to master techniques that have become rare today.
What drew you to this profession?: The fascination of an ancient craft that has existed for thousands of years; with every piece you add to this history, you become part of it. It's about beginning with an idea or emotion, then giving it a form on paper, thinking of the technical solutions needed, until finally realising it in gold or silver with your own hands and centuries-old knowledge.
Does your work convey a message?: With my work I want to make a contribution to the cultural resources of society. Because the pieces represent a set of values that does not seem to fit in today’s world and therefore loses more and more relevance.
So is your craft also losing relevance?: The craft of the goldsmith is still quite popular but the level of skill and mastery has continued to decline in recent years and so has the quality of the work. The craft of the silversmith, on the other hand, is likely to vanish along with table culture.

Philipp Gröninger is an expert artisan: he began his career in 2001 and he started teaching in 2019