Wolfers, Philippe
1852 - 1929

Philippe Wolfers was the son of gold and silversmith Louis Wolfers who opened his business in Brussels in 1850.

Phillipe studied at the Académie Royale des Beaux-Arts in Brussels before joining his father’s business as an apprentice. Under his father’s tutelage he learnt not only the artistic techniques and craftsmanship necessary to follow in his footsteps but also the administrative side to running a business.

He began to design silverware and jewellery circa 1880 and worked firstly in a Rococo-revivalist style. However, his travels abroad – particularly to France and Germany – exposed him to the influence of Japanese art and naturalism and to the beginnings of the stylistic movement ...