The recent passing of local sculptor and family man, Roger Pearson, was marked by a celebration of the triumph of the human spirit, the power of art, and the enduring legacy of one of the finest sculptors anywhere in the world.
Roger’s incredible journey unfolded without tuition from humble beginnings. His raw talent was a natural gift that shaped his unique style and made him an influential figure in the world of sculpture.
Evolving from a working background of interior design, Roger’s gifts were always a joy to behold. His ornamental Georgian fireplaces beautifully created out of plaster were greatly sought after. Outsourcing marble fireplaces progressed to doing them himself – only better! Blessed with a natural flair and inventive mind, the fireplaces were true works of art.
Of course, it didn’t stop there! Roger could make marble and bronze do things they had never done before. With a God-given gift, he managed to tease out of marble all manner of unique, original, and breathtaking masterpieces. Beyond magnificent fireplaces, Roger, inspired and driven by raw passion, came up with so many awe-inspiring designs. Meticulously created guitars with punctilious precision to the finest detail, overcoats with all the creases and shades, elephants, workbenches full of tools – you name it, and Roger could lovingly create it!
What was Roger’s finest piece of art? Well, there are so many to choose from! How about a bronze statue of Bob Geldoff for the Live Aid concert?
Commissions for Roger became commonplace. Ambassadors from all over the world sought out his rare and unique talent. The King of Saudia Arabia, the Queen of Norway, and dignitaries from Moscow are but a sample of those wanting a piece of his artistic creativity.
Despite all this acclaim, Roger was a private and reserved man, dedicated and devoted to his wife Pat and his beloved family. His career was underpinned by relentless hard work and the love and support of his family. His ubiquitous influence was felt by all the family. Roger was blessed with children, Georgina and Paul, and grandchildren, Charlie, who sadly passed away three years ago, and Oliver from Georgina, and Lois, Leo, and Athena from Paul. Roger always sent Pat a beautiful Christmas card, but not your normal Christmas card. It was one carved adoringly out of marble, no less!
Roger’s son, Paul Pearson, continues his father’s legacy, showcasing their work at Leonide Interiors showroom in Spa Lane, Chesterfield, S41 7RE.
Roger passed on his talent to his son, Paul, who could always be found working alongside him in the workshop during his childhood days, which he continued to do until he founded Leonide Interiors in his early thirties. Some of Paul’s sculpture creations are beautifully imaginative and enough to make the hairs stand up on the back of your neck in their own right.
Not content with being an amazing sculptor, Roger was also a fine musician, a wonderful artist, and a superb photographer.
RIP Roger. A sculpture genius, a gifted artist, and, beyond everything else, a special loving family man.