The Silver Workshop on Vidda
As pioneers within the field of goldsmithing in Finnmark, Frank and Regine Juhls laid the foundation for a new craft tradition in the north. Since its establishment in 1959, our workshop in Kautokeino has been an important arena for the development of the craft. Many have found their future here, established their own workshops, and carried the tradition forward. The workshop continues to attract goldsmiths who seek to develop their skills in this unique working environment, where our team has backgrounds in international education and experience.
Goldsmithing is an old and respected craft, with techniques that connect traditions across the world. Over more than six decades, we have adapted and developed methods and tools to create the distinctive silver used in Sámi traditional dress. Many of the techniques we use are unique and not part of formal education, and even experienced goldsmiths encounter new challenges here.
We use the term goldsmith for all craftsmen working in our workshop. Traditionally, a distinction is made between goldsmiths, who make jewelry, and silversmiths, who produce larger objects such as bowls, candlesticks, and cutlery. In our context, all are trained as goldsmiths, but work primarily in silver.
