Hans Coper RAPC Mural

One of the rarer pieces in our collection is this fantastic 10ft high ceramic mural created by Hans Coper in the 1960s. Known as one of the most important figures in British post-war studio ceramics, Coper focused on functional and sculptural art, but was also commissioned to make a small number of murals during the 1960s. One of them was this piece for the RAPC, which was commissioned for and graced the outside of Armstrong Hall, Worthy Down following its completion (as pictured).

Coper redesigned the RAPC cap badge into a simplified, contemporary form which allowed it to be split into different sections to allow for ease of making, moving, and installing. Each piece was filled with sand to help to retain its shape during the firing process, but it was never removed so each piece is quite heavy! The mural is a creamy colour with the back plate painted brown, and would have stood out beautifully against the brick of Armstrong Hall.

In recent years the mural has gone under conservation treatment as it had been outside in all weathers for so long. Currently in storage, we are planning on bringing it onto display in the museum in the future so you will be able to see it in all its glory!