Friends of Marie Zimmermann

27/09/2026

One of the most beautiful examples of Zimmermann's revivalist jewelry is an Etruscan-style necklace, consisting of gold wrapped wire with shattuckite pendants and coral beads. The work recalls various settings of Favrile glass beetles by Louis C. Tiffany, but the form of Zimmermann's necklace is closer to ancient Etruscan precedents than to Tiffany's Egypt. Zimmermann's design is of uncommon restraint and uncompromising refinement. Its contrasts of blue and orange are subtle and controlled; its rhythms of alternating ovals of varying sizes, beading and gold rope filigree are elegant and effective. The result is ravishing. The necklace stands as one of Zimmermann's greatest accomplishments, combining historicist and forward-looking impulses in a unified work of art.

Necklace. Gold, shattuckite and coral (43 cm).
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Gift of Jacqueline Loewe Fowler, 2011.
From "The Jewelry and Metalwork of Marie Zimmermann" by Waters, Cunningham, Barnes, and Ahara.
Photo by David Cole, American Decorative Art 1900 Foundation.

15/09/2026

On view at the Metropolitan Museum of Art (American wing, mezzanine balcony)
"Marie Zimmermann was one of the leading practitioners of the American Arts and Crafts movement. Her highly original and idiosyncratic oeuvre includes work in a variety of media. This bowl and stand are particularly fine examples of her distinctive metalwork with colored surfaces. Upon its introduction, Zimmermann’s patinated and colored metalwork enjoyed popular and critical acclaim. In 1922 House and Garden described Zimmermann as "that rare artist-artisan [for whom]… color is an essential part of the value of her achievement. She is handling metal, especially iron and copper, in new ways, often with simple, spacious flower-like outlines and patines(sic) that vary from the gold of an old Cypress glass to the deep red of Chinese enamel, the blue of an East Indian turquoise and verdigris that shades into silver and gold." The article singled out for special praise a "low bronze bowl in a gorgeous blue patine resting on a wrought iron standard," and went on to state that "Her copper flower dishes are perhaps her most original achievement in decorative metal."

Marie Zimmermann was one of the leading practitioners of the American Arts and Crafts movement. Her highly original and idiosyncratic oeuvre includes...

12/09/2026

Zimmermann created heavily decorated small boxes, complete with applied decorative stones and cameos. Despite its name, her Persian Box, in silver and ivory with applied gems, has close affinities to T'ang designs. Its shape is highly reminiscent of lobed boxes from the T'ang Dynasty and earlier, and the layered leafwork on its cover directly references T'ang innovations.

Persian Box. Green-gold plated silver box, base with ivory panels, malachite and lapis lazuli on sides, blue-dyed howlite, pearls, lapis lazuli, and chrysoprase on lid. (12.5 X 10.5 X 13cm)
From "The Jewelry and Metalwork of Marie Zimmermann" by Waters, Cunningham, Barnes, and Ahara.
Photo by David Cole, Svartvik Metalworks, Ltd.

20/06/2026

Hope to see you all tomorrow! Come learn some about our local Dingmans Ferry Celebrity and her legacy and enjoy the guided house tour. ( free to the public)

Join us for Open House on Marie Zimmermann Day, Sunday June 21st at 10 am - 2pm. Tour the house inside, come see some of her beautiful wrought Iron Art Works. Learn more about her fantastic art and life as we celebrate her birthday!
Free event for the public.

22/05/2026

Join us for Open House on Marie Zimmermann Day, Sunday June 21st at 10 am - 2pm. Tour the house inside, come see some of her beautiful wrought Iron Art Works. Learn more about her fantastic art and life as we celebrate her birthday!
Free event for the public.

03/03/2026

Friends of Marie Zimmermann mourn the loss of our friend and founding president, Bill Kiger, who was the inspirational leader of our organization for 30 years. Bill worked tirelessly to bring together the Zimmermann family, the National Park Service, and local interests in order for the Zimmermann house to be restored to its previous glory. He will be missed and fondly remembered.