As mentioned in yesterday’s Price Points post, we’ve recently been holidaying in the glorious Lake District. One artist that immediately springs to mind when the Lake District is mentioned is W Heaton Cooper. So he’s our choice for this week’s Designer Desire feature. His paintings, predominantly in watercolour, capture the beauty and atmosphere of the landscape – the physical features, the subtle tones – and the ever-changing light.
W Heaton Cooper (1903-1995) came from a family of artists – his father Alfred was very well regarded – and an obvious influence on his work. W Heaton Cooper’s style is more impressionistic – and we find it has more impact and drama. His son, Julian and granddaughter, Rebecca carry on the artistic tradition.
In 1937-8, W Heaton Cooper and his wife, Ophelia, built a home, studio and gallery in Grasmere; it is still owned & run by his family.
He has published a number of books containing his works including The Hills of Lakeland, The Tarns of Lakeland, Lakeland Portraits and his autobiography, Mountain Painter. All of which can be found on Amazon and Abe Books.
When we visit the Lakes, we often stay at a house owned by one of Justin’s relatives. It was built in the late 1960s/early 70s – and is relatively untouched from that time. It still has lots of teak fittings and the the original spiral staircase running from top to bottom through the three floors. We often imagine what we’d do with it décor wise if it was ours. It’s constructed of local slate, so has a Lakeland feel, but it’s not a ‘cutesy’ Lakeland cottage. We’d keep the original features and go mid-century modern in style with a comfortable, relaxed country rustic vibe. And, without doubt, we’d have a really huge W Heaton Cooper on one wall!
Original watercolours come up for sale at auction and reproduction prints can be found on eBay.
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