On Wednesday, November 24 beginning at 8 p.m., WSBE Rhode Island PBS presents the three-part documentary series that examines the bold ingenuity, brilliant artistry, and storied legacy of the Gorham Manufacturing Company - one of America's most recognized silver foundries. Chasing Silver: The Story of Gorham, a Rhode Island PBS Original more than two years in the making, traces the company from its small, enterprising origins in 1831, to its rise as a world-renowned titan of silver manufacturing for more than 130 years, and its subsequent decline due in part to changes in social norms and etiquette, and a series of corporate mergers and acquisitions.
The Gorham Manufacturing complex included more than 30 buildings on 37 acres in the Elmwood neighborhood of Providence. At that site, located between Mashapaug Pond (behind Rhode Island PBS studios) and Adelaide Avenue in an area called Reservoir Triangle, operations began in 1890 and closed in 1986.
Chasing Silver: The Story of Gorham combines contemporary interviews with archival footage, photographs, and original concept art, to chronicle how Gorham became synonymous with luxury and unparalleled craftsmanship. Driven by the characters and events that fashioned Gorham's success and ultimate decline, the series examines the delicate craft of silver design and the crushing toll of mass manufacturing.
As the story unfolds, viewers meet the academic experts, former employees, museum curators, and collectors entrusted to preserving Gorham's legacy, which reaches far beyond its extensive collection of silver.
Featuring magnificent pieces and drawings from the Textron collection of Gorham silver wares donated to the Rhode Island School of Design Museum, contemporary photos were taken during preparations for RISD's 2019 exhibition "Gorham Silver: Designing Brilliance, 1850-1970."
In addition to RISD Museum, several partners contributed to the film as resources or sites for reenactments: John Hay Library at Brown University, Blithwold Mansion, Salve Regina University, Babcock-Smith House, Providence Jewelry Museum, Rhode Island Historical Society, and the New England Wireless and Steam Museum.
The complete story of Chasing Silver: The Story of Gorham airs in a special three-part presentation on Wednesday, November 24 at 8 p.m., 9 p.m., and 10 p.m. and streamed live at watch.ripbs.org/livestream.
After the broadcast, Rhode Island PBS members can watch the Rhode Island PBS original series - as well as thousands of hours of other PBS content - any time, anywhere, on any device through Rhode Island PBS | Passport. Viewers can also acquire the three-DVD set as a 'thank you' gift for making a donation to support Rhode Island PBS production originals like this one and more.
Part 1–November 24 at 8 p.m.
A small manufacturing company in Providence, Rhode Island makes bold, innovative strides at the height of the American Industrial Revolution. A pioneering son transforms his father’s silver company from a one-horse operation into a multi-million-dollar enterprise. New methods of mass production lead to prosperity and growth, even as the company weathers the hardships of the Civil War.
Part 2–November 24 at 9 p.m.
After losing its visionary leader, a young, ambitious sales executive guides Gorham into its golden age. A state-of-the-art silver manufacturing plant is built in the Elmwood section of Providence, and the Martelé line is launched to overwhelming critical acclaim. As World War I rages, Gorham adapts to survive.
Part 3–November 24 at 10 p.m.
In the wake of war and economic disaster, Gorham grapples with an uncertain future. As the country prepares for a second World War, the company turns to munitions contracts to stay afloat. New designers leave their mark on the Gorham silver brand, while a climate of hostile takeovers and corporate mergers leaves Gorham grappling with an unstable future.
MEET THE FILMMAKERS In this exclusive digital-only bonus content, get up close and personal with filmmakers Scott and Maria Saracen, the producers, directors, writers, and editors of Chasing Silver: The Story of Gorham. This presentation was recorded for a virtual screening and live chat with the filmmakers in May 2021. the Scott and Maria share segments from the three-part series and their insightful conversations with several film participants, who in turn introduce the visionaries, artisans, and world events that shaped more than 130 years of Gorham silver. UPDATE: Watch the presentation here. |
WSBE Rhode Island PBS transmits high-definition (HD) programming over the air on digital 36.1; Cox 08 / 1008HD, Verizon FiOS 08 / 508HD, and Full Channel 08; Comcast 819HD and Verizon FiOS 18 / 518HD; DirecTV 36, Dish Network 36. Live stream the full schedule within the broadcast viewing area at watch.ripbs.org/livestream.
Images of Gorham silver are courtesy of RISD Museum, Providence, RI, and Dallas Art Museum.
