Bernard Rooke studio pottery 5 section floor light, British designer,

This is a stunning example of great British studio pottery. The lamp also has its original circular frame split bamboo shade which is unusual to survive. The lamp has a very tribal feel almost like a totem pole. There is a pierced central section which has a small bulb which gives a subtle additional light feature when illuminated. This lamp has been re-wired, PAT tested and is certified for UK use.

 

Bernard Rooke was born in 1938 and studied at Ipswich School of Art before moving to study pottery at Goldsmith`s College, London. In 1960 he set up his own workshop in Forest Hill sharing with another studio pottery artist Alan Wallwork. Progressive designs were readily accepted in London at that time and Rooke applied his efforts to making pieces of a sculptural nature. Early pieces were fashioned by hand using coils and blocks.

 

"Rooke`s philosphy is that he needs to make two types of pottery; that which is easily produced and will find a ready commercial market, and that which exercises his artistic talents to the full. Both are necessary for each other - one providing the independence for the other to survive and one providing designs for the other to continue."

 

In 1963 the pottery moved to larger premises in Greenwich and then later to Swilland near Ipswich. Bernards other works also include painting and mixed media art.