John Pearson / British Arts & Crafts Handwrought copper tea caddy c. 1900

JOHN PEARSON  (19th century) UK

Tea caddy  c. 1900

Handwrought copper with rivets, repoussé lid with 4 heart-shaped leaves, rich red brown original patina

Marked:  JP in an oval cartouche (on bottom)

H: 4 1/2″ x D: 4 1/4″

For more information on Pearson see: CR Ashbee: architect, designer & romantic socialist, Alan Crawford (New Haven, CT: Yale University Press, 1985), pp. 32-33, 46, 313-316;  Reflections: arts and crafts metalwork in England and the United States (New York: Kurland – Zabar, 1990), pp. 32-33.

Pearson was an original member of CR Ashbee’s Guild of Handicraft starting in 1888. He later resigned to join the Newlyn Industrial Class. He also worked for the designer & ceramicist William De Morgan which is where many of his fanciful themes in repousse are inspired. He is considered one of the finest repousse metalsmiths of the period. His shop remained active until after the turn of the century, most pieces are dated.