We are very sad to share the news that our friend, colleague, co-founding Partner and Chief Creative Officer of Pearlfisher and all-round inspirational woman, Karen Welman, has died at the age of 59, following a heart attack whilst on holiday in Greece.
An award-winning designer and innovator, Karen’s mischievous and generous spirit made her a formidable presence both at work and play, and colleagues and clients alike could always count on Karen for a unique, unexpected – often frank! – viewpoint. Added to that, a creative drive that knew no boundaries, and a lifelong passion for innovation and turning great ideas into action, earned her a truly impressive list of global award-winning designs in a career spanning more than 30 years.
Family, friends and Pearlfisher team members old and new have been coming together in the past few days to share memories, swap stories and, most importantly, we have all been raising a glass to Karen’s memory – we all know that Karen loved a good get –together and would expect nothing less of us. Karen was unquestionably loved and respected, surprising and inspiring us on a daily basis with her brilliant imagination and the determination to make the impossible, possible.
We will all miss Karen in so many ways but her zest for life, drive and inimitable creative vision and design influence will live on in her work. We will all honour her legacy and continue to create brilliant, bold, unexpected work that will make people smile and the world a better place.
Karen Welman – 1959 – 2019