Hans Coper
Internationally-renowned and influential German ceramic artist Hans Coper was born on this day in 1920.
After fleeing to the UK in 1939, Coper redefined the concept of studio pottery over a relatively short period of about thirty years. Using clay as his medium, he distinguished himself by fusing wheel-based pots together to great sculptural effect. With a limited palate of burnished black or creamy white, often with scored lines or etched surfaces, each pot has its own unique presence.
Coper's work was widely collected, commissioned and exhibited during his lifetime. He was also a leading figure in art education, teaching both at Camberwell College of Art and the Royal College of Art, where he is credited as being the primary influence to a whole generation of potters.
To mark the 100th anniversary of Coper’s birth, we planned a special display of a number of his works in 2020, but had to close before it went on display. These stunning ceramics are waiting patiently in galleries 18 & 34 for you to come and see them when we reopen!
Until then, you can learn more about Coper and see some of his works here -> https://ashmolean.org/event/hans-coper
Images © Jane Coper and Estate of the Artist
