The quiet unassuming mastery behind the renowned Harris silversmithing and engraving, Eddie Harris began his long journey learning this art in 1984 after graduating from Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina. He began at the encouragement of Alabama custom jeweler, Ann Beard, who taught him the process of lost wax casting in gold and silver. He first began engraving with Tilden Swenson of Little Rock Arkansas learning how to hand engrave monograms and letters. With this, Eddie began teaching himself through trial and error the art of hand engraving. In 1987 he traveled to New Mexico to work with Mike Berg, a noted western silversmith and engraver for 2 months.
Eddie’s custom work in gold and silver is noted for a heavy layered dimensional look, robust in depth and relief, with a heavy gun scroll influence in engraving and floral design. This includes the silver for all the famous Harris saddles and tack, as well as buckles and jewelry. His buckles have been commissioned by people from all walks of life, equestrians, business executives, NASCAR drivers, singers, and public figures.
He resides in State Road, North Carolina with his wife Robbin and daughters Victoria and Mary Gwyn. Considering himself a naturalist, Eddie’s interest outside of the shop include almost everything outdoors. He is a past chair of the Mitchell River Coalition, a watershed protection group dedicated to the restoration and preservation of the area trout streams. He also served as a county elected soil and water supervisor for 12 years. He was elected in 2010 as a Surry County Commissioner. He was featured in Progressive Farmer magazine in an article titled To Save a Southern River and has been honored for his conservation efforts.
Eddie can be contacted directly at harrisleat@surry.net
