Betty Cooke
The Washington Post
May 16, 1954
by Elinor Lee
Betty Cooke is a designing young woman. Recognized as one of the most talented of young designers in the field, she is best known for her original jewelry, which has won her many prizes, but her field covers many other forms. Well known for her skillful designs in leather handbags and belts, her recent work in various metals led her to design several household objects, notably mobiles and other types of bells as well as andirons and fireplace grates.
A graduate of Johns Hopkins University with a B. A. in fine arts, and of the Maryland Institute of Art, where she later taught design, Betty has her workshop in her house on Tyson St. in Baltimore. In the downstairs rooms she makes and sells her original jewelry and other items. Her living quarters, on the second floor, save time and traffic problems going to and from the office. Also she can work undisturbed, and without disturbing anyone, until 3 a.m. if she feels inclined.
Her designs are simple, she explains, but not functional in the accepted sense. "In a practical sense, function in jewelry has little application or the safety pin would have taken care of everything long ago." Betty Cooke wrote in an art journal. "Actually, the true function of jewelry is to appeal through the age-old business of attraction, attention and admiration," she says.
Much of Miss Cooke's jewelry is abstract in shape with bold, sweeping lines and movable parts. Frequently she utilizes contrasting materials such as plastic, leather, wood, or brightly colored enamels in combination with silver or brass. Each design is calculated to give a costume an uncluttered dramatic accent.
Her brass and black andiron that can be used as a grate was selected for the "Good Design" exhibit, arranged by the Museum of Modern Art and the Chicago Merchandise Mart in Chicago last winter.
Today, Miss Cooke will be in Washington for the opening of the special exhibit at Ursell's, 3243 Que St. from 3 to 6 p.m. The exhibition, which will continue through June 15, will feature silver jewelry and leather work by Betty Cook of Baltimore; and ceramics by Gertrud and Otto Natzler of Los Angeles.
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Betty Cooke
Sterling brooch
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Betty Cooke
(b.1924)
Baltimore, Maryland
active 1950s-present
(maker's mark examples) |
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Betty Cooke
Sterling & ebony brooch
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Betty Cooke
Forged sterling brooch
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Betty Cooke
Sterling & ebony cufflinks
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Betty Cooke
Sterling brooch
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Betty Cooke
Sterling & ebony brooch
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