Gordon Crook

Gordon Crook (1921-2011) was born in Richmond, London. At seventeen, he joined the merchant navy, and then served in the RAF during World War II. After the war, he received a grant to study art at St Martin's School of Art. In 1948, he began study at the Central School of Art. The Central School was noted for its innovative work in textiles. After graduating with a degree in textile design, he began teaching there. For twenty-two years he taught at the Central School and the Royal College of Art, while working as a freelance designer. He also exhibited ceramics, drawings, paintings, and tapestries. Sometimes he wove his own tapestries; other times he would create the design and hire an expert to weave it for him.

In 1972, at the age of 51, he moved to New Zealand. His first commissions there included designing book covers, decorating a coffee house, and producing stage sets. In 1979, he designed twenty banners for the New Zealand Embassy in Washington. He continued to produce large banners and tapestries for various institutions in New Zealand and elsewhere. As well as his fabric banners and tapestries, Crook is known for his prints and collages.