Derek Simpson Goldsmith

Story

Born and raised in Sheffield, Yorkshire, England, Derek attended the Sheffield College of Arts & Crafts and graduated with a National Design Diploma from the School of Silversmithing. He then was awarded a scholarship for a post-graduate course at The Royal College of Art in the School of Silversmithing and Jewelry in London, England. After graduating from college, he was invited to work in the studio of American-born jeweler, Bert C. Gore, in Paris. From that point, he transitioned to specializing in jewelry. On his return to England, he taught metalwork as a professor at the Rotherham School of Art and later at Mid-Cheshire College's School of Art & Design as the head of metalwork.

Derek immigrated to the United States in the fall of 1970. He opened his own shop in the winter of 1971 in downtown New Haven, CT. In 1974, he was invited to occupy a retail space in the Yale Center for British Art, the University's great landmark building designed by Louis Kahn.

In 1976, Derek was commissioned by The City of New Haven, to design and make a silver pillbox for H.M. Queen Elizabeth II that was presented to her during the U.S. Bicentennial festivities in New Haven. The decoration on the lid of the container is representative of the nine squares in the city's layout.

Last year, Derek celebrated 40 years in business in New Haven. He specializes in custom design work and is available for consultation. To make an appointment with Derek, please contact the store/workshop by the phone number or email address listed below.