HANS COPER CERAMICS EXHIBITION IN WINCHESTER

Image: Fide Et Fiducia ceramics mural based on the Royal Army Pay Corps cap badge, originally on Worthy Down Barracks, Winchester, 1960

A show at The Arc, Winchester puts Hans Coper's three ceramic murals —the Swinton School Mural, the Powell Duffryn Mural and the RAPC Mural on public display for the first time and, probably, the only time. These three large-scale and little-known murals for buildings across the UK, none of which remain in place today, were all made in early 1960.

Known for his distinctively sculptural, vessel-based forms, Coper (1920–1981) was a British émigré artist at the forefront of ceramic experimentation in the 20th century. Friend and mentor Lucie Rie commented: “I am a potter, but [Coper] was an artist.” His complex, incised patterns bridged the gap between pottery and sculpture.

Widely respected and highly collected for his pots, the commissioned public artworks were a crucial factor in Coper’s creative development. The exhibition also includes over 20 of his sculptural vessels and is complemented by a temporary show of contemporary studio pots.

The exhibition continues until 24 March. For more information visit the website.