Stock No: 13405

A Grand Repousse Copper antique Fireplace Surround.
Attributed to John Pearson (1859—1930) Master Coppersmith and founder member of the Guild of Handicrafts.

This elaborately decorated fireplace on its mahogany ground follows a maritime theme depicting mythical sea creatures in the deep and Galleons riding the waves in rolling seas all typical of Pearson's work.
English circa 1900.

Notes: In early life John Pearson worked with William de Morgan developing his trademark designs and creations of mythological animals, birds, sea creatures, dragons and galleons, fanciful trees & fruit, all to be very evident throughout his life in his repousse copper work. In 1888 C R Ashbee, the designer and social idealist, offered him the chance to be a founder member of the Guild of Handicraft, a co-operative of Craftsmen being set up in Whitechapel, London and he accepted the offer. He resigned some years later following a dispute with his colleagues but continued to work independently mostly in repousse copper metalware, producing chargers, vases, firescreens, mirror frames and the like.

Both Liberty and Morris sold his work in this period. In 1929, he closed his workshop and retired to Canvey Island in Essex where, a few months later, he died. At his death, his occupation was described as 'art connoisseur'.

Link to: Antique Arts and Crafts, Aesthetic, Art Nouveau mantels and Art Deco fireplaces and chimneypieces.