How It’s Created: Simon Pearce Handmade Glassware & Pottery
At Simon Pearce, the tenets of simplicity, quality, and artisanship represent their work, even in a world of bigger, better, and faster. They believe the imperfections forged from their hand-made products make each creation unique, and in its own way, perfect.
Their purpose, as described by Simon Pearce designer James Murray, is: “We search for character, and then blend that with function.” To thread this intricate balance, the powers of thoughtful design coupled with the “high-touch” creation of every Simon Pearce product. The hand-craftsmanship contributes to its unique character while putting human eyes on the product that ensures it can effectively serve its purpose in your home.
After learning the glass-making craft for years in Europe, Simon Pearce opened his first workshop in Ireland in 1971. After ten years, Simon Pearce and his wife, Pia, crossed the pond to continue their glass-blowing business in a much larger space in Quechee, Vermont. Their new workshop and store, a mill beside the Ottauquechee River, is powered by hydroelectricity created by the river’s current. Along with the hydroelectricity in Quechee, Simon Pearce has made many environmentally-conscious moves, including solar power at the Windsor, VT production factory and outlet store. Additionally, Simon Pearce uses efficient production practices, thoughtful packaging, recycling, and farm-to-table sourcing for its restaurants.
Some notable Simon Pearce products include their vases, which spread from ethical yet striking glass creations, like the Weston Vase, to contemporary pottery vases, like the Crystalline Curio Vase. Other items that are sure to tone up your tablescape include Simon Pearce’s stunning selection of wine glasses, which range from smooth, gracious models like the Woodstock Red Wine Glass, to assertive, determined glasses like the Bristol White Wine Glass.
In an age of mass production, Simon Pearce stays true to its roots, crafting glassware, pottery, and other tableware and decor accessories while always holding itself to its own finest standards. Simon Pearce grew up in a household where similar ideas on design and quality were held. He is adamant about the fact that his parents were his greatest influence in design. Although his family growing up was not particularly wealthy, they were always quite particular when it came to interior design. His home growing up, which he described as “eclectic,” featured both old and traditional as well as strikingly contemporary furniture. Recalling his parents, he remembered, “Even the egg cup and the spoon, they would think about.”
This mindset, engrained from his early days, is the essence of his business today. The beauty of each product is found in the little things that set it apart: the imperfections, the thought put into designing, and the care that is put into crafting each and every one. The mere thought that something you use each day was created with a purpose, made with nothing other than the finest quality materials and people, makes any Simon Pearce work fulfilling.
“This is what we do every day. It’s not meant to be a mass-produced item. It’s the antithesis of that.”
-James Murray
Many of Simon Pearce’s interesting, handcrafted products, like the glass hurricanes, which are offered in an extensive variety of designs and moods to fit any occasion, would make great gifts. And of course, don’t forget the wonderful Holiday-themed glassworks, highlighted by the famous Simon Pearce glass Evergreen Trees.
Come check out the rest of our extensive Simon Pearce collection in-store or online at Didriks. Plus, take some time to browse our high-quality outdoor furniture, glassware, and tableware selections from many excellent manufacturers.