Cooper, Susie (1902–1995)

English ceramic designer and factory owner. Name variations: Susan Vera Cooper, Mrs. C.F. Barker. Born Susan Vera Cooper, Oct 29, 1902, in Stoke-on-Trent, England; died July 28, 1995, on Isle of Man, England; attended Burslem School of Art, 1919–20; m. Cecil Barker (architect), 1938 (died 1972); children: Tim Barker.

Acclaimed ceramic designer and factory owner, whose table-ware and teapots are sought after by collectors, studied under Scottish ceramic designer Gordon Forsyth; joined Gray's Pottery as painter (1922); introduced geometric and banded patterns that were a hallmark art-deco design (1920s); displayed work at British Empire Exhibition at Wembley (1924) and in Paris (1925 and 1937); seeking artistic freedom, set up own firm with brother-in-law Jack Beeson (1929); purchased local earthenware and decorated it with simple patterns of polka dots, animals and flowers, often in muted shades; used lithographic transfers to reduce inconsistency inherent in handpainting and worked closely with Universal Transfer Co. to develop transfer technique to great benefit of pottery industry; received 1st major orders (1935); became highly successful, supplying such London stores as Harrods and Selfridges; became 1st female Royal Designer for Industry (1940) and received many important commissions; during WWII, was briefly forced to shut down after fire in factory, but reopened Crown Works and rebuilt business; expanded product line to include manufacture of fine bone china (1950s); merged Crown Works with RH & SL Plant, becoming part of Wedgewood Group (1966); was senior designer and director for Josiah Wedgewood and Sons until husband's death (1972); moved to Isle of Man (1982), where she continued to work; awarded Order of British Empire (OBE, 1979). Works displayed in numerous artistic exhibitions, including Victoria & Albert Museum, Stoke-on-Trent City Museum & Art Gallery (1987) and Ipswich Museum (1989–90).