posted 11-23-2008 02:20 PM            

Dear all,

I received word this morning that my friend and business mentor Vi Walker of Vi Walker Silver, Indianapolis, passed away at her home early this morning. She had been suffering from a number of chronic illnesses; I do not know at this point the exact cause of death. Regardless, she will be deeply missed by those who worked with her and all of the customers who bought from her over the years. A great person and a great friend.

I will add updates as I learn more. Just wanted this corner of the silver world to know.

Brent

posted 11-23-2008 03:16 PM            

Brent do you have a photo of Vi we could post? Did Vi have a favorite charity to which memorial contributions may be made?

posted 11-23-2008 03:20 PM            

So sorry for your loss, I understand she was well loved & respected.

posted 11-23-2008 04:51 PM            

I will look to see if I have a good photo of her; if I don't here I should be able to get one sent over.

Yes, it is a big loss. Hard to write right now.

posted 11-25-2008 08:03 AM            

Services will be held this Saturday at 10:00; due to family commitments it doesn't look like I will be able to get there, which is also upsetting to me. If anyone would like to send flowers, the services are at Flanner & Buchannan Mortuary, 1305 E. Broad Ripple Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46220

As an alternative, memorial contributions can be made to Best Friends animal shelter at bestfriends.org. She loved her animals, and adopted many stray dogs and cats and rescued pets over the years.

Condolences can be mailed to

Gerald Walker
4434 Central Ave.
Indianapolis, IN 46205

I find I do not have any pictures of her myself, but I'll work on it.

Brent

posted 11-25-2008 09:45 AM            

Enjoy some pictures

1. Vi's booth at the Indianapolis Art & Antiques Show, April, 2006
   
2. A table setting at the show, same date. The guest that year was famed decorator Judith Miller. Vi was honored by the show committee for her long service, and got to eat and visit with Ms. Miller. One of her last real public activities.

More to come

Brent

posted 11-25-2008 10:44 AM            

Vi was a wonderful woman and was a true asset to the silver community. I can still remember wandering into her booth as a young teen, being in complete awe of her beautiful Victorian silver. She was so kind to take the time talk to me (an obvious non-customer at the time) and show me some wonderful Unger pieces she had on display. She was always willing to share information and it was a delight to sit down in her booth to do business many years later and still get the same attention I once got so many years before. She will be missed.

------------------
CarlaZ

posted 11-25-2008 12:28 PM            

Silver Magazine
March/April 2006
Silver World Personalities

A conversation with Vi Walker, silver dealer and owner of Vi Walker Silver in Indianapolis, Indiana., a member of the New York Silver Society. Vi does select shows across the US in addition to her shop and internet presence at www.viwalkersilver.com A respected member of her community, she received The 2005 Sid Maurer Community Business Award from her Neighborhood Community Association.

How did you come to Silver?

I came to the world of silver via a few years in the 1970s as a general line dealer, with specialties as an art pottery and deco dealer. I enjoyed that but came to see my specialties tied only to collectors and I wanted a broader customer base. Silver allows me to continue working with collection and adds the dimension of customers who enjoy silver for their homes. This combination works for me, as I appreciate both environments. Silver Magazine became a wonderful addition to my professional life during the Diana Cramer years. In those days, we only thought we were busy, and the big Gorham, et al. collecting world was just raising its head. What is available now was rare as hen’s teeth thirty-five years ago. Diana and I would talk for hours about our shared delight in finding things "we'd never seen before." I've been an avid reader and advertiser ever since.

What is your favorite piece or period of silver and why?

My favorite silver is the very best from all time periods. My favored time periods are the 1870s aesthetic and the wonderful design of arts and crafts and moderne.

What keeps you involved in the silver business?

You really cannot leave silver. It captures you and you are involved forever. You still find pieces you have never seen that are so good you can't believe it. The "Oh my gosh" opportunities don't happen often.. .just often enough!

Describe your present role in the silver business.

I am a dealer who chooses not to limit silver to one era, one land or one price range and often offer great surprises to multiple silver buyers. As a collector, I'm pretty smalltime and love the pieces I keep. We sell primarily at antique shows and our shop and do a bit of business via the internet. My great grandfather owned Eisensmith Jewelry Store in Charleston, WV at the turn of the century through the twenties. Once it clicked that jewelry stores were the retailers of fine silver at that time, I decided there might be some genetic influence! My husband, Jerry helps out with shipping, polishing and a multitude of errands. My children all perceived at an early age that, "helping Mom is too much work." My associate, Eric Lausch, who I've known since he was my son's best friend in high school, is an extremely well informed and ethical silver professional and key to our business success.

Eisensmith's Jewelry Sore, Charleston, WV ca 1900

posted 11-25-2008 04:01 PM            

Thank you, Carla, for allowing us to use this. What would be required to get an announcement in the Jan-Feb Silver magazine? I'd like to do it, if possible.