Retrospective of Emmanuel Cooper's Ceramic Career Travels to UK Venues
In 2013–2014, a retrospective exhibition honoring Emmanuel Cooper OBE (1938–2012) traveled across various venues in the UK, celebrating his extensive career as a studio potter spanning five decades. The exhibition, titled "Emmanuel Cooper OBE, 1938–2012, A Retrospective Exhibition," took place at Ruthin Craft Centre from December 7, 2013, to February 2, 2014, followed by the University of Derby from February 21 to March 28, 2014, and finally at Contemporary Applied Arts in London from April 10 to May 31, 2014. A notable British potter, Cooper relocated to London in the early 1960s and set up his workshop in 1965. His work included porcelain and stoneware pieces, such as high-spouted jugs and bowls adorned with volcanic glazes, influenced by urban themes. Cooper shared his life with partner David Horbury at their home on Chalcot Road.
Key facts
- Emmanuel Cooper OBE (1938–2012) was a British studio potter, critic, broadcaster, author, activist, and teacher.
- A retrospective exhibition of his work toured Ruthin Craft Centre (December 7, 2013–February 2, 2014), University of Derby (February 21–March 28, 2014), and Contemporary Applied Arts, London (April 10–May 31, 2014).
- Cooper studied with Gwyn Hanssen in London in the early 1960s and set up his Westbourne Grove workshop in 1965.
- His pottery was influenced by urban life and his identity as a gay man, eschewing traditional rural pottery settings.
- The exhibition featured stoneware bowls from the 1990s and 2000s with volcanic glazes in blue, turquoise, and cerulean.
- Other works included high-spouted jugs with fluid glazes referencing geological forms and London's wet streets.
- Cooper lived with his partner David Horbury at their Chalcot Road home, which housed his basement studio and Fonthill Pottery shop.
- His functional ceramics were used daily in his household, blending art with domestic rituals.
Entities
Artists
- Emmanuel Cooper
- Gwyn Hanssen
- David Horbury
Institutions
- Ruthin Craft Centre
- University of Derby
- Contemporary Applied Arts
- Royal College of Art
- Fonthill Pottery
Locations
- Ruthin
- Wales
- Denbighshire
- Derby
- London
- United Kingdom
- Derbyshire