Published by Thames & Hudson Ltd, 1996, softcover, illustrated, large format, 80 pages, 26.6 cms x 36.8 cms, condition: new.
One of the most profoundly inventive and varied achievements in twentieth-century design, the work of Susie Cooper holds up a mirror to the history of the decorative arts in this century, from the Art Deco twenties to the present day.
Her life was one of exceptional creativity coupled with commercial success, recognized in 1987 in a major retrospective exhibition at London's Victoria and Albert Museum. It is now celebrated, shortly after her death at the age of ninety-two, by this magnificent, large-format presentation of her work, illustrated with superb colour photographs by Earl Beesley of all her most important pieces. The book is completed by invaluable documentation of her techniques, key patterns, shapes and stamps.
Susie Cooper, a British potter and a contemporary of the more famous Clarice Cliff, recently died at 92. Her career spanned the period from the art deco twenties to the fifties and beyond, and she is considered highly collectible. This very oversize book features gorgeous color photographs of her dinnerware, teapots, and decorative pieces. Youds' text does an excellent job of covering Cooper's professional life, and for collectors there is a complete documentation of patterns, shapes, and stamps. A solid choice for public libraries where resources on collectibles are in demand. Ilene Cooper
Though Cooper is not as well known on this side of the Atlantic, her name was synonymous in Britain with excellence in ceramic design for more than 70 years. Wanting her products to be "both beautiful and useful," Cooper made china, teapots, and figures that display the colors, styles, and trends of the 20th century. Her brilliant designs, all now sought by collectors and galleries, were amazing in their range, from high Art Deco to Egyptian designs for Wedgewood, as well as classical forms, jungle florals, and abstract and whimsical nursery ware. This well-illustrated study of Cooper's vast output?which includes a complete list of patterns, shapes, and forms?was approved by the artist before her death at 92 last year. Despite its soft cover and oversize format, this book is recommended for all design collections.
