May Artist of the Month

John and Susan Pearsall
PEARSALL AND SON GOLDSMITHS

Exeter Fine Crafts is pleased to present Pearsall and Son Goldsmiths as our May Artist of the Month. The Pearsalls, John and his wife Susan, have created beautiful gold and sterling silver jewelry from their studio in central New Hampshire for 35 years. All of their work is meticulously handcrafted, from their contemporary pieces with clean graceful lines, to their breathtaking one-of-a-kind pieces that feature precision engraving, gemstones and pearls.

Most of the Pearsall’s work is fabricated with traditional goldsmithing techniques. Precious metal is shaped with hand tools, then braised or welded at the joints before being textured or hammered into final shapes. Susan is the chief designer of the more figurative pieces - the flowers, birds and natural motifs – which are sculpted in wax and cast by the lost wax process. John and Susan have also collaborated with engraver and sculptor friends to achieve some of the intricate details in their exquisite work.

John came to goldsmithing from an unlikely background. A graduate of Dartmouth College, John did post-grad work at the University of Paris and enrolled in the medical school in Reims, France. After stints at teaching, door-to-door selling and self-employment as a stained glass craftsman, John was hired by a friend, James Russell, as a silversmith-jeweler in 1970. Still friends, John credits Jim with providing an example of an ethical and competently run business.

Susan graduated from the then Colby College in New London with a minor in art. Besides being a superb designer, John credits her “love and strength of character that have made our family and business a success.”

The name of their family business, Pearsall and Son Goldsmiths, is derived from the fact that John’s late father was part of the business at one point, as was the Pearsall’s son. John and Susan are long time members of the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen. Their work is available in select fine craft shops throughout the state.

Please join us on Saturday, May 3rd between 12 and 3pm when the Pearsalls will be here to talk about their stunning jewelry collections - just in time for Mother’s Day! Exeter Fine Crafts is located at 61 Water Street in downtown Exeter. Stop by Monday through Saturday 10-5:30, or Sunday 12-4. Call 603 778-8282 for more information.