Posted 9 years ago
kiwipaul
(117 items)
John Pearson was one of the greatest British metalworkers of the Arts & Crafts movement.
His extraordinary copper pieces were often embellished with mythical sea monsters, galleons, strange dodo-like birds, and other fantastical creations.
He was influenced by William De Morgan and early in his career worked for him as a pottery decorator and made associated metalwork, for example tile mounts.
He was a founding member of the Guild of Handicraft in 1888, but was dismissed (or resigned) in 1892, reputedly for not working exclusively with the Guild, and supplying pieces to Morris & Co. Pearson then worked for the Newlyn School in Cornwall, possibly as a tutor.
The chest or wood box shown above is big, it's 19in high x 26in wide x 17in deep. Although unsigned it is very much in the style of Pearson. The double monsters design is very effective and has a strong Arts & Crafts flavour.
Hi Paul. I'm confident neither of these are Pearson. He has a very strong line and also a distinct stippling and punch pattern. If you like, when I have time, I can take some detailed photos so you can see what I mean.
The dolphins, though, I tend to associate with the Newlyn school.
We've been very lucky with our Pearson. For years I tried but couldn't afford any. Then we found a dealer who found great pieces and who passed them on to us very reasonably. Once we got a feel for them we were able to find more by fluke.
As an aside, I thought it was unknown that he worked for DeMorgan? He defiantly supplied Liberty. I have a signed sconce that features in the Liberty Yuletide calendar.
Hi Paul. Do you have the Newlyn book. Have you had a look in there for these designs?
i really like the charger. you've piqued my curiosity about this pearson guy... will have to check him out...
Hey Jewels, no don't have the Newlyn book. I'm in Melbourne on business at the moment and have taken some time to do the city jewellery quarter and suburban antique markets. Lot of expensive eye candy, and the dealers seem pretty well informed, so no major finds .... yet.
Ohhh Paul. My Cuzner brooch came from Melbourne. From the same store I also scored a good bit of Mary Thew. Exciting things can be found. Happy hunting!
PS, the Newlyn books is quite good. Nab a copy from Amazon.
Hi Paul. I had a look at the Newlyn Copper book, but there's nothing that would directly point to either of your pieces (there are some good examples of copper by other makers).
Colin Phill (one of the authors) also has a good site to have a look at, you might find something there -http://www.artsandcraftsmetalwork.co.uk/index.htm