The Pearson Silver Collection has its origins in the mid-1980s. Although the Pearsons started collecting British silver in the early 1970s, their initial interest was in domestic items and collectables such as snuff boxes, vinaigrettes, caddy spoons and the like. Their preference was for the antique. However, in 1985 they began to develop an interest in 20th century British silver. When they fully appreciated the scope of the field, they decided to concentrate their interest to Post War silver from 1945 to the present day. In the 1990s they disposed of some of their other collections to help finance the acquisition of pieces for what is now the Pearson Silver Collection. Today, the Collection is widely regarded as the largest of its kind in private hands. Currently it is kept in four geographic locations. The Pearsons’ wish is that one day a significant number of highlights from it will be temporarily exhibited in one place. Meanwhile selections from the Collection will be available for lending to regional institutions and London exhibitions on an on-going basis. Two museums have already expressed interest, as indeed has the organiser of a major exhibition in London during 2012 that will be entirely devoted to gold objects. Currently we are in the process of establishing The Pearson Silver Foundation. Each year it will select both newcomers and those who have been silversmiths for some time to make pieces. The selections will be made after careful consideration by the Foundation’s trustees to both the individual’s design capabilities and craftsmanship skills. The Foundation will make the pieces available for loan to museums and exhibitions as well as giving them other exposure (for example in the media and by way of website(s)) so as to demonstrate that Britain excels in producing stylish contemporary silver to the highest standards of craftsmanship. Additionally the Foundation plans to assist those who aspire to be silversmiths with the granting of monies to selected institutions for the benefit of students of the craft of silversmithing. In time we also plan awards to young silversmiths for outstanding achievement. Naturally it will take time to achieve all of these goals. We keep in mind the saying, ‘from small acorns, mighty oak trees grow’. The objective of this website is to bring Post War British designer silver, including contemporary pieces, to a wider audience. They believe British silver from the 1950s to the present day is one of the world’s best kept secrets. The Curator of the Collection is John Andrew, who has been instrumental in assisting in its formation.