Symonds, Sarah W.

Sarah W. Symonds (1870-1965) was widely known for her figurines and bas relief plaques of historic sites throughout New England, according to Hurd-Smith in her book, Salem Women's Heritage Trail.

She graduated from Emerson College in Boston and began her artistic modeling career. The bulk of her crafted products were Salem souvenirs and promotional items, including finely detailed casts representing the House of the Seven Gables, the John Ward House, and the Peirce Nichols House. She was a skillful marketer, advertising souvenir mementos for tourists. Symonds opened her first art studio selling small figurines and plaques in the John Ward House. Later she use the "Colonial Model Shop" at 49 Turner Street, across from the House of the Seven Gables. The other outlet was her Colonial Studio, located in the Essex institute's Bray House.