Susie Cooper was an influential English ceramic designer, whose career spanned over several decades, beginning in the 1920s and extending into the 1980s. She is renowned for her work in pottery, creating pieces that were not only innovative in design but also affordable and practical for everyday use. Cooper's designs often featured bold and colourful patterns, and she was known for her ability to blend functionality with aesthetic appeal, which made her work popular among the public.
Innovating Ceramics Design
Cooper began her career at A.E. Gray & Co. Ltd, where she quickly moved from a paintress to a designer, creating her own patterns and shapes. In 1929, she established her own pottery studio, Susie Cooper Productions, becoming one of the few female entrepreneurs in the pottery industry at the time. Her work during this period was marked by vibrant colours, geometric patterns, and a modernist approach to ceramics design.
In the mid-20th century, Cooper's designs evolved with the times, incorporating more contemporary styles and experimenting with new materials like bone china and fine earthenware. Her contributions to ceramic design were recognised with numerous awards and honours, including being appointed as a Royal Designer for Industry in 1940 and receiving an OBE in 1979.
Susie Cooper's legacy is that of a pioneering designer who broke new ground in the ceramics industry, merging artistic expression with mass production techniques. Her work remains highly collectible and is exhibited in museums around the world, celebrated for its creativity, innovation, and enduring appeal.