Scluptural silver and gold piece by Master Metalsmith Heikki Seppa

Heikki Seppä: Master Metalsmith

Part of Handwork 2026

BIMA is planning a retrospective, and is currently seeking partners for a traveling exhibition of the late master metalsmith, Heikki Seppa. Originally from Finland, this internationally famous metalsmith passed away in 2010. After decades teaching at Washington University in St. Louis, MO, Seppa retired. After the death of his first wife, he married Laurie A. Lyall, a noted jewelry artist who lived on Bainbridge Island. Through a major legacy donation from Lyall, and other collectors, BIMA has acquired more than 45 signature works by Seppa ranging from jewelry, functional hollowware, and decorative art. This retrospective will highlight techniques that Seppa both taught and invented during his incredible career working forming silver and gold.

When

Oct 2, 2026 – Jan 31, 2027

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Heikki Seppa, Iron Heart
Heikki Seppa, Neckpiece, 1975, sterling silver, nephrite jade.
Scluptural silver and gold piece by Master Metalsmith Heikki Seppa
Heikki Seppä (1927-2010, Finland/Bainbridge Island, WA), Coffee Set, 1965, hollow form metalsmithing, sterling silver, ebony, BIMA Permanent Art Collection, Gift of Laurie A. Lyall, Photo by Nick Felkey
Heikki Seppä (1927-2010, Finland/Bainbridge Island, WA), Peacock, 1983, silver, peacock feather, BIMA Permanent Art Collection, Gift of Laurie A. Lyall, Photo by Nick Felkey
Heikki Seppä (1927-2010, Finland/Bainbridge Island, WA), Iron Heart, 1973, blackened iron, sterling silver, BIMA Permanent Art Collection, Gift of Laurie A. Lyall, Photo by CB Bell
Heikki Seppä (1927-2010, Finland/Bainbridge Island, WA), Neckpiece, 1975, sterling silver, nephrite jade, BIMA Permanent Art Collection, Gift of Laurie A. Lyall
Heikki Seppä (1927-2010, Finland/Bainbridge Island, WA), Half-Granny, 1978, hollow form metalsmithing, silver, bronze, BIMA Permanent Art Collection, Gift of Laurie A. Lyall
Heikki Seppä (1927-2010, Finland/Bainbridge Island, WA), Helicoid with Aliform, 1974, sterling silver, BIMA Permanent Art Collection, Gift of Laurie A. Lyall