Kurt Matzdorf

Kurt J. Matzdorf (1922 – 2008), also known as Kurtheinz J. Matzdorf, was a German-born American jewelry designer, metalsmith (which included silversmith, goldsmith) and an educator. He was Professor Emeritus at State University of New York at New Paltz and he founded the metals department. Matzdorf was known for his religious objects in metal.

Early life and education Kurt J. Matzdorf was born May 26, 1922, in Stadtoldendorf, Germany, to parents Alice Frank and Wilhelm Matzdorf. In 1939, he was brought to England on a kindertransport. or Hadamar Euthanasia Centre on February 11, 1941. His father was murdered in Sachsenhausen concentration camp on January 28, 1942.

During World War II, he attended Slade School of Fine Art in London and studied with the sculptor Benno Elkan in Oxford. In 1949, he moved to the United States, where he studied goldsmithing and metalsmithing

Career After completing his studies, he taught crafts at Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas, from 1955 to 1957. Matzdorf founded the metals program and taught at State University of New York at New Paltz (SUNY New Paltz), from 1957 until 1985. He was a Professor Emeritus of Gold and Silversmithing. In 1970, thirteen years after starting the metals program, he was joined by Robert Ebendorf. Matzdorf had notable students, including Barbara Seidenath and Lisa Gralnick.

Matzdorf was known for his contemporary Judaica silversmithing and goldsmithing, and he created objects like menorahs, kiddush cups, and synagogue jewelry. In 1992, Matzdorf was awarded the title Fellow by the American Craft Council (ACC). Jüdisches Museum Berlin, among others.