Arts & Crafts copper charger

Depicting basket of flowers fruit and foliage

John Pearson

Signed J Pearson Dated 1892 No 526

John Pearson (1859 - 1930) was a master craftsman, artist and designer. He was a founder member of the Guild of Handicraft with Charles Robert Ashbee in 1888 at Whitechapel, London. Pearson had been greatly influenced by William De Morgan and had worked for him briefly decorating tiles and pottery in the De Morgan’s tile works. This influence can be seen in his later copper repousse designs. It is believed that he fell out with Ashbee and was dismissed for selling his own designs to rival companies, including Morris & Co. He made his way to Newlyn, Cornwall in 1892 where he became hugely influential, teaching the art of repousse work to the teachers and to the young fishermen, learning new skills.

He remained for around 6 years, returning to London in 1901, where he acquired a new home and workshops. He continued to teach from there and also to decorate ceramics and work with metals, selling his designs to Liberty & Co and Morris & Co. In 1929 he retired to Canvey Island, Essex for the last 6 months of his life.

Pearson’s work in copper is most recognised by his designs for birds, fish, grotesque fantasy creatures, sun motifs and the tree of life design.