HONORING DEREK SIMPSON ON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT

HONORING DEREK SIMPSON ON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 41 (Wednesday, March 4, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 41 (Wednesday, March 4, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E185-E186] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING DEREK SIMPSON ON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT ______ HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO of connecticut in the house of representatives Wednesday, March 4, 2026 Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, for fifty-five years, the City of New Haven, Connecticut has been home to Derek Simpson Goldsmith, a jewelry store offering unique pieces of all kinds designed by the remarkable artist, Derek Simpson. At the end of this month, the store will close and Derek will retire--a loss for Downtown New Haven and jewelry lovers everywhere. A beloved artist, small business owner, and community member, Derek and his exceptional craftmanship will be missed by many. Born and raised in Sheffield, Yorkshire, England, Derek earned a national design diploma upon his graduation from the School of Silversmithing at Sheffield College of Arts and Crafts. His undergraduate success was rewarded with a scholarship for post-graduate study at the Royal College of Art in the School of Silversmithing and Jewelry. Derek began his career working for renowned American jeweler, Bert C. Gore in Paris before returning to England where he was a professor of metalwork at the Rotherham School of Art and later the head of metalwork at Mid-Cheshire College of Art and Design. He enjoyed great success as a designer and educator; however, his true dream was to open his own jewelry store. It was a dream that he would fulfill here in America. With relatives in the area, Derek relocated to the New Haven, Connecticut, area in 1970. Just a year later, the owner of a bookstore on Park Street in City's downtown agreed to lease him a small space at the front of his business. It was here that Derek Simpson Goldsmith took root and Derek's dreams of owning his own business were realized. It was not long before both the business and inventory grew requiring Derek to seek a larger storefront. The design and creation of jewelry pieces is an art in and of itself. As a master jeweler, Derek is a brilliant artist. It is that nexus of art and jewelry that inspired former Yale President Henry Broude to offer Derek a retail space at the Yale Center for British Art while it was under construction in 1974. Designed by architect Louis Kahn, the Yale Center for British Art was a perfect fit and thus Derek Simpson Goldsmith found its second downtown New Haven home. Twenty years later, Derek later moved the business to its current downtown location on Chapel Street where it has remained since. Derek's mastery of design and his artistry have been recognized by local jewelry lovers and international celebrities alike. In addition to the incredibly popular and adored collections he has designed and sold in his stores, Derek has also been commissioned to create special pieces. Shirt studs for composer Leonard Bernstein, cufflinks for architect Philip Johnson, a pin and an earring respectively for American tennis greats Chris Evert, and Andre Aggasi, and necklaces for Olivia Newton-John and Patty Smith--all designed and created by Derek Simpson. In 1976, Derek was commissioned by the City of New Haven to design a silver pillbox, its lid etched with nine squares depicting New Haven original city plan. During the U.S. Bicentennial festivities in New Haven, the specially commissioned pillbox was presented to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, II to commemorate the Nation's anniversary and her visit. On a more personal note, I have been a fan and customer of Derek's for decades. I have always been in awe of his talent and creativity. I am especially grateful to Derek for the engagement ring and wedding bands he designed for myself and my husband. His imagination and creativity are just astounding. We [[Page E186]] have been fortunate to have had him call New Haven home for so long. Though we are all sad to see the doors of Derek Simpson Goldsmith close, I am honored to have this opportunity to rise and thank him for sharing his talents with us for so many years. As he begins this new life chapter, I am honored to extend my very best wishes to Derek, his wife, Pamela, as well as their family, for many more years of health and happiness. I thank him for bringing so much joy to so many lives. ____________________