Susie Cooper facts for kids
Susan Vera Cooper was a very talented English designer who made beautiful pottery. She was born in 1902 and lived until 1995. For many years, from the 1920s to the 1980s, she worked in the famous pottery towns of Stoke-on-Trent. She created many different ceramic pieces, from plates and cups to jugs, and her designs are still loved today.
Contents
Susie Cooper's Early Life and Art
Susie Cooper was born in Burslem, Staffordshire, in 1902. She was the youngest of seven children. From a young age, Susie loved to draw. She started her art education by taking evening classes at the Burslem School of Art. This helped her learn many important skills for her future career.
Starting Her Pottery Career
In 1922, Susie joined a ceramics company called A. E. Gray & Co. Ltd. She hoped this job would help her get into the Royal College of Art. The owner, A. Edward Gray, quickly saw how talented she was. Soon, Susie was creating her own hand-painted flower designs for the company.
In 1923, A. E. Gray launched a special collection called the Gloria Lustre Range. This collection used a technique called lustreware, which gives pottery a shiny, metallic look.
Susie Cooper Starts Her Own Business
By 1929, Susie wanted to do more than just paint designs on pottery. She wanted to create the actual shapes of the ceramic pieces too. So, she decided to start her own business. She teamed up with her brother-in-law, Albert "Jack" Beeson, and they created "Susie Cooper Potteries." This was a big step for her.
Working with Other Companies and Receiving Awards
Over the next few decades, Susie Cooper worked with many other pottery companies. One of the most famous was Wedgwood. Her designs were very popular.
Susie received important awards for her amazing work. In 1940, she was named a Royal Designer for Industry by the Royal Society of Arts. This is a very special honor for designers. In 1979, she received an OBE, which is another high award in the United Kingdom. It is said that Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother really admired Susie's pottery.
Later Life and Legacy
When she was 80 years old, Susie Cooper retired. She moved to the Isle of Man and lived there until she passed away in 1995. Today, her pottery is highly valued by collectors. Just like other famous designers from the Staffordshire Potteries like Clarice Cliff and Charlotte Rhead, Susie Cooper's work is still very popular and sought after.
