teapot with angular spout; wedge-shaped finial on cover; handpainted; orange on handle, cover and sides of spout; black on finial with 4 horizontal black stripes of various widths on body; cream ground

Copyright of the artist%2C artist%27s estate%2C or assignees

Teapot, c. 1933-1934

Glazed porcelainexpand_more

Gift of Various Donors, by exchangeexpand_more  2001.168.1a,b

Not on Viewexpand_more

Like her contemporary Clarice Cliff, Susie Cooper began her career in the Staffordshire County pottery industry. Originally employed at A. E. Gray and Company, Cooper created brightly-colored abstract geometric and banded tableware, now considered the hallmarks of Art Deco design. In 1929, the ambitious young Cooper left Gray's to establish her own design firm, Susie Cooper Pottery. Her highly successful firm produced modern and affordable tableware under the tagline "elegance combined with utility."

Cooper is well-known for creating unique ceramic forms, such as the curvaceous "Kestrel" shape seen here. The popular design was produced in a multitude of patterns and colorways from the early 1930s through the 1950s. This pattern, "Graduated Black Bands," employs a simple color palette to striking effect, perfectly illustrating Cooper's skill in matching shape and decoration. Although painstakingly hand painted, later patterns were achieved through the innovative use of lithographic decoration. In 1940, Cooper's groundbreaking design work earned her the Royal Society of Arts' Designer for Industry - the first woman to be so awarded.

Details
Title
Teapot
Artist Life
1902 - 1995
Role
Decorator
Accession Number
2001.168.1a,b
Curator Approved

This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.

Does something look wrong with this image? Let us know

Zoom in on the left to the detail you'd like to save. Click 'Save detail' and wait until the image updates. Right click the image to 'save image as' or copy link, or click the image to open in a new tab.

teapot with angular spout; wedge-shaped finial on cover; handpainted; orange on handle, cover and sides of spout; black on finial with 4 horizontal black stripes of various widths on body; cream ground

Copyright of the artist, artist's estate, or assignees