Simon Pearce

Simon Pearce

Simon Pearce is passionate about creating objects that allow people to live more functionally. Gathering together and spending time with loved ones is central to the Simon Pearce ethos, and his glass and ceramic designs are made to last, with heritage in mind. Simon Pearce is known for lead-free crystal glassware and hand-thrown pottery shaped into authentic, timeless forms. Simon built the Simon Pearce business by first rolling up his sleeves and learning these crafts himself. He earned glassblowing experience by visiting studios throughout Europe and by training in the art of clay under his father. Simon graduated from the Royal College of Art in London and later returned to his native Ireland, putting his artistic training to use by opening his own business. In 1980, Simon Pearce moved his atelier to the United States, where he has a production space, flagship store, and a gourmet restaurant in Quechee, Vermont, on the beautiful Ottauquechee River. While the majority of Simon Pearce’s pieces are made in the USA, the designer also makes selective decisions to partner with specialized foreign vendors like tribes, towns in developing nations, and female artisans on occasion.

Each piece crafted by Simon Pearce is unique, adding character to even seemingly simple sets and everyday functional home objects. Simon Pearce takes the same careful, observant attitude towards creating home accents as he does to respecting the environment throughout the creative process. His glassblowing space is repurposed from a former wool mill, and it uses hydroelectricity powered by the river beneath. His corporate offices, outlet store, and pottery production space in Windsor, VT, are also solar-powered. Down to recycled-material gift boxes and bags, the Simon Pearce brand respects the beauty of nature, not just on its surface. 

Simon Pearce's collections take inspiration from natural motifs like rippling water, tree bark and leaves, and river stones, often drawing directly from New England’s havens for nature. Vermont’s rivers and evergreen landscapes, Cape Cod, and Nantucket come up within Simon Pearce's collections. Simon Pearce's glassware and pottery shapes are also informed by American history. Classic Colonial shapes, whose birthplace is seated in the very geographical area whose landscape inspires Simon Pearce, bring this story of heritage full circle. Perhaps surprisingly, these designs look just as stunning on a traditional table as on a modern one! Whether setting places and anticipating company, creating ambiance, or clinking cheers and serving, Simon Pearce's designs make the home and table warm and inviting.