When it comes to British pottery, few names shine as brightly as Susie Cooper. A pioneer in ceramic design whose career spanned more than seven decades, Cooper’s work bridged the gap between the traditional and the modern. Bringing colour, elegance and functionality into the homes of thousands, Susie Cooper pottery remains a symbol of The Potteries and 20th-century British pottery at its finest.
Who Was Susie Cooper? A Designer Ahead of Her Time
Born in 1902 in Burslem, Staffordshire – the heart of The Potteries – Susie Cooper showed artistic promise from a young age. After studying at the Burslem School of Art, she began her career in 1922 at A. E. Gray & Co. Ltd., initially hired as a painter. Her talent quickly became evident, and it wasn’t long before she was designing her own patterns. However, Cooper wasn’t content to decorate other people’s shapes. She wanted creative control from start to finish.
In 1929, she took a bold step and established Susie Cooper Pottery, marking the beginning of her independent journey. With full command over both form and decoration, Cooper created elegant, modern shapes adorned with fresh, innovative patterns. This was a radical shift from the fussy Victorian wares that still dominated many households.
The Modern Table, Redefined
Throughout the 1930s, Cooper’s designs were celebrated for their balance of beauty and practicality. She introduced sleek, functional shapes and favoured stylised florals, geometric motifs and delicate hand-painted designs. Her pottery was made for the “modern woman” – affordable and durable, yet undeniably stylish.
One of her most famous innovations was the ‘Leaping Deer’ motif, a recurring emblem in her work. Her ability to blend Art Deco aesthetics with a distinctly British sensibility made her a favourite among department stores like Harrods and Selfridges, and a household name in the UK and beyond.
War Years and Beyond
The Second World War brought significant challenges to the pottery industry. Materials were rationed, and many factories were repurposed for wartime production. Yet Cooper adapted, shifting to more subdued, utilitarian wares while continuing to design under austere conditions.
In the post-war period, Susie Cooper Pottery was taken over by the Wedgwood Group in 1966, allowing her designs to reach an even wider audience. With access to larger production facilities, she was able to experiment further with form and colour while maintaining her signature style.
Susie Cooper’s Lasting Legacy
Susie Cooper’s career spanned an impressive 60 years, during which she was awarded an OBE and earned the respect of both her peers and the wider public. She passed away in 1995, but her work remains highly sought-after by collectors.
Today, Susie Cooper pottery is a staple at auctions, prized for its artistry, history and timeless appeal. Whether it’s an early hand-painted teacup or a later Wedgwood production piece, her ceramics continue to tell the story of a designer who revolutionised British tableware.
We have some great Susie Cooper pieces coming up in our May auctions. Check them out below!
Lot 96 in our Decorative Arts auction next month consists of a Susie Cooper for Gray’s Pottery Lustre Vine Pattern Dinner Plate together with a Tree Design Bread Plate in brown. The lot is set to sell for £20-£40.
This Susie Cooper for Gray’s Pottery Silver Lustre Breakfast Set on a Fitted Tray, together with a Lidded Sugar Bowl, Milk Jug, Lemon Tray and a Gold Lustre Coffee Cup, comes with an estimate of £30-£60.
With an estimate of £20-£40, Lot 174 is a Susie Cooper tea set that includes a teapot, sugar bowl, cream jug, lidded milk jug, and two teacups with saucers.
This Susie Cooper for Crown Works Burslem Red Wedding Band 14-piece coffee set is set to sell for £80-£160.
This set of six Susie Cooper for Crown Works Burslem Pink Dresden Spray Dinner Plates comes with an estimate of £30-£60.
Lot 527 in our May 20th-Century Pottery, Collectables & Jewellery Auction is a Crown Works Burslem Susie Cooper floral design part dinner set that’s set to sell for £50-£100.
How to Buy or Sell Susie Cooper Ceramics at Auction
At Potteries Auctions, we regularly feature Susie Cooper ceramics in our pottery sales. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or new to her work, our team is here to help you discover or part with these beautiful pieces.
To buy Susie Cooper ceramics at auction, keep an eye on our upcoming auctions page or sign up for our newsletter to stay up-to-date.
Or get in touch with us if you’re looking for an expert evaluation and are seeking to sell your Susie Cooper pottery. Free valuation days are held every Tuesday at our Silverdale saleroom and every Thursday at our Cobridge saleroom – to book an appointment, use our online booking form here.
Due to popular demand, we have also started to offer a private valuation service for premium items. Please contact us directly to arrange an appointment by emailing amy@potteriesauctions.com.
You can also email us at enquiries@potteriesauctions.com or call us on +44 (0)1782 638100, or valuations can even be provided via WhatsApp – simply send some clear images of your items via the app to 07864 667940.