Goldsmith retires but shop to stay with new owners

A GOLDSMITH in Henley has come under new ownership following the retirement of its founder after 32 years.

Simon Lawson set up Lawsons Goldsmiths in Duke Street in 1993.

Mr Lawson, 69, who lives in Middle Assendon, is originally from Stratford-upon-Avon and trained at the Birmingham School of Jewellery.

He set up his shop in Henley after 15 years working as a goldsmith in the UK and Bermuda.

The running of the business will be taken over by goldsmiths Laura Hewitt and Jennifer House both 40, who currently work at the shop.

The shop is currently undergoing a renovation and is set to reopen next Saturday.

Ms Hewitt, who lives in Henley, has been working under Mr Lawson since 2019 and said she hoped the pair could carry on his legacy.

“Ever since I started here Simon has joked that he has wanted to retire, but I never thought I would be the joint owner with Jenny,” she said. “I am forever grateful to Simon for everything he has done for us.” Ms Hewitt studied jewellery manufacture in Hatton Garden, London, alongside an apprenticeship under jeweller Joanne Gowan.

She moved to Henley a few years ago and had been visiting the town since she was a child. Her father Bill Sadler is a rower who is a former member of Leander Club and Upper Thames.

Ms House, who lives in Surrey, has been working at the shop since March and has
25 years of experience in the trade. Mr Lawson said that he would like to thank all of his customers for their support over the years and that he was pleased to hand over the shop to the pair.

“I am very happy,” he said. “I wanted someone to carry it on and I didn’t want it to close.”

While Mr Lawson will be stepping back from the running of the business, he said he would be stepping into the workshop “from time to time”.

He said he felt ready to retire and was looking forward to spending more time on his hobbies, including playing golf at Henley Golf Club.