Early to Mid 20th Century Decorative Arts Auction
Thursday, 5 - Thursday, 12 October 2023
Early Bernard Rooke studio vase
Current Bid $170 (19 bids, reserve met)
This lot is now closed 12 Oct 7:44 PM (NZST)
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Lot Details
Early Bernard Rooke studio vase. A rare slab built example with repeating raised totem decoration to the front and rear. Early hand carved mark pre his embossed “rooke” signature. A strong powerful example measuring 400mm tall. Bernard Rooke was born in 1938. He studied at the Ipswich School of Art before moving on to the Goldsmiths' College, London. It was here, in his last year that he decided to take up pottery. In 1960 he set up his own workshop in Forest Hill, London, sharing the premises with Alan Wallwork. Progressive designs were readily accepted in London at that time, and Rooke applied his efforts to making pieces of a sculptural nature. To supplement his income during this period he lectured at London University and at Goldsmiths' College. The early pieces were mainly fashioned by hand using coils and blocks. Rooke found that whereas a work might not find a market as a piece of sculpture, if made into a lamp base it was more readily acceptable to the public. The lamp bases were, indeed, popular and have proved a mainstay until the present day.
