Forma Hungarica: Post-War Hungarian Ceramics is the first major exhibition in the UK to showcase Dr Graham Cooley’s phenomenal collection of Hungarian ceramics and paintings which have – until now – remained largely undiscovered.
The exhibition, which was on display 2 May – 20 June 2015 at the King’s Lynn Arts Centre, featured over 400 ceramics and 100 paintings, from the largest private collection of post-war Hungarian ceramics, owned by Dr Graham Cooley, a well-known collector of 20th century design. Along with the accompanying book of the same name, it aims to shine a spotlight on the hidden treasures of post-war Hungarian ceramics and to tell the long-forgotten stories of their artists and designers.
It was also the first time the work of two of the most prominent figures of the era, Géza Gorka (the great establishment figure) and Lívia Gorka (his rebellious daughter) had been displayed in a special exhibition in the UK.
A strong cultural policy emerged during the Communist era that mixed traditional folk pottery and modern ‘socialist’ art, which developed into a unique and progressive Hungarian style. The state promoted the Hungarian ceramics industry with ceramic factories where young graduates could train and state-funded exchange programs, study trips, exhibitions, fairs and symposiums.
In the state-driven ‘home improvement’ campaigns after 1956, modern Hungarian ceramics became fashionable and trendy. Independent studios and workshops emerged and produced some of the most original ceramics of the 20th century. Post-war international successes at major international events further consolidated Hungary’s role as the leader in progressive ceramics.
However, much of this work was developed in isolation from the West, and most of these great practitioners have never been written about or exhibited outside of Hungary.
The exhibition and accompanying book aim to bridge this gap in the cultural history of 20th century Europe. In the book, Dr Cooley and Peter Langh – a design expert from the 567 Gallery in Budapest and in his own words a ‘cultural memory rescuer’ – explain why we should all be fascinated by the curious and beautiful work of Hungarian ceramicists, and why Hungarian artists excelled at this craft skill, like no other nation, during the Communist period. It is the first publication on the subject written in English.
Prior to the exhibition, Dr Graham Cooley said: “Little has been researched, exhibited or published about post-war Hungarian ceramics until now. My passion for these beautiful objects has grown over time as my knowledge and understanding about them has deepened. I am delighted to be sharing my collection in what I hope is a fitting homage to the ceramicists of the era, giving them the platform and attention they deserve.”
