John Wilson (Wilson Søljeverksted)
John Wilson is the goldsmith behind Wilson Søljeverksted. His own history dates John Wilson Gull og Sølvsmie to 1978, initially specialising in repairs to gold and silver jewellery. He opened a sølje workshop on Nesodden in 2014. These are separate milestones, rather than competing foundation dates.
Handmade bunad silver
Wilson describes making Norwegian traditional costume silver by hand, following local traditions and working to order. The workshop is therefore relevant when examining a sølje brooch as a crafted object, beyond identifying its costume region.
Identification and assessment
Photograph the front, reverse, pin fitting, pendants and every mark. Compare these details with documented workshop models and any original receipt. A traditional pattern alone does not identify Wilson as its maker. Distinguish an object he made from an older brooch he repaired, and from the historical pattern used as a model. Record missing pendants, bent fittings and previous solder repairs before treatment. Do not assign a particular letter combination or responsibility mark to this workshop without specific evidence.
