Allan Adler

Allan Adler was born in Missoula, Montana on May 8, 1916.[2] At the age of 19, Adler worked as a lathing contractor in Burbank, California. In 1938, Adler's father-in-law Porter Blanchard convinced him to learn the silversmithing trade and come to work in his shop, as Blanchard had no sons of his own.[3] Adler designed silverware and holloware in shapes inspired by the Modernist art movement of the early 1900s, developing a distinct personal style. Adler eventually took over Blanchard's retail business on the Sunset Strip after the latter moved into the wholesale business. During World War II, Adler was approached by the Gilfillan Company to work on a classified project that made use of his silversmithing expertise. Adler later learned that the components he worked on were a part of Gilfillan's new radar technology. After the war, Adler was drafted into the military but only served six months before being discharged for medical reasons.[3]

Working with Gilfillan allowed Adler's business to grow, and he began producing His name became associated with Hollywood glamour in the early 1940s, and he was commissioned to design mini-Oscars for Academy Award winners, crowns for Miss Universe and Miss USA, and silver bowls, candlesticks and goblets for celebrity clients. American actress Katharine Hepburn was an apprentice in Adler's Sunset Strip shop before she became a notable actress.[4] Other patrons of his wares included Frank Sinatra, Errol Flynn, Michael Jackson, and Tom Hanks. During John F. Kennedy's presidential campaign, Adler crafted a silver coffee urn to be used at a fund-raising event. Adler also crafted silver items for politicians such as Winston Churchill and Pat Brown.[1]

Adler's work was featured in the "Living Treasures of California" exhibition at the Crocker Art Museum in Sacramento, California.[5]

Adler married Becca Blanchard, daughter of noted silversmith Porter Blanchard, in 1938. Adler died of a stroke December 3, 2002.[6]

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