Joe Calafato: A late twentieth century South African precious metal artist.                                                                           

Fred van Staden

Department of Psychology, University of South Africa, PO Box 392, Pretoria, 0003

        (Published in the South African Journal of Cultural History, Vol24(1), June 2010, pp.126-150. Copyrighted by the SAJCH)

Summary

Thirteen semi-structured interviews with colleagues and some family members of Joe Calafato (1912 -1991) were held in order to compose a systematic profile of his contributions to the development of precious metal artistry in South Africa between 1947 and 1984. This information was integrated with available archival documentation, a sketch book, order books, autograph book, newspaper reports, along with photos of private collections of his work. Whereas specific attention was paid to his jewellery output, other lines of design in which he worked were also recognised. The development over time in his designs from Western oriented motifs to South African inspired designs is also highlighted. 

Key words: goldsmith; Joe Calafato; late twentieth century, Pretoria; precious metal artist; manufacturing jeweller; silversmith.