The life story of English potter and designer Clarice Cliff, (1899-1972) is a real-life rags-to riches story. Clarice was born in the potteries area in Tunstall, Staffordshire in 1899, and her father was an iron moulder, while her mother took in washing.

She attended school until age 13 and then left to work in a lowly paid job in the potteries. At that time the potteries were the major employers of women in the North Staffordshire and at the time she commenced work there were over 20,000 women employed.

The jobs for women ranged from being assistants to the men who threw the pots, to the less menial but repetitive task of painting prescribed designs onto clay blanks.

After 10 years, and a several of changes of employer, she had learned a number of trades and mastered the techniques of gilding, enamelling, lithography and design.

At more...

6 items found:

These items have been sold, and the description, image and price are for reference purposes only.

A Clarice Cliff Bizarre Forest Glen pattern lotus jug, single…

Clarice Cliff Bizarre Forest Glen Lotus Jug

A Clarice Cliff Bizarre Forest Glen pattern lotus jug, single handle, black printed mark, height 19 cm.

Five Clarice Cliff plates, including 'Orange Chintz', 'Forest…

Collection of Five Clarice Cliff Plates

Five Clarice Cliff plates, including 'Orange Chintz', 'Forest Glen' and 'Original Bizarre' pattern, various shapes, printed factory marks to base, minor losses to paint (A/F) Diameters 23 and 25 cm (5)

i) A Clarice Cliff Forest Glen bowl, circa mid 1930's. Printed…

Clarice Cliff Forest Glen Bowl and Vase

i) A Clarice Cliff Forest Glen bowl, circa mid 1930's. Printed mark 'Clarice Cliff, Wilkinson Ltd England', diameter 9.5 cm. Ii) A Clarice Cliff Forest Glen vase (AF), circa mid 1930's, baluster shape. Printed mark 'Clarice Cliff, Wilkinson Lt England'.…

Clarice Cliff Art Deco cup and saucer with Forest Glen pattern

Forest Glen Cup and Saucer by Clarice Cliff

Clarice Cliff Art Deco cup and saucer with Forest Glen pattern

Clarice Cliff Forest Glen beaker

Forest Glen Clarice Cliff Beaker

Clarice Cliff Forest Glen beaker

Clarice Cliff biscuit barrel, Forest Glen

Forest Glen Biscuit Barrel by Clarice Cliff

Clarice Cliff biscuit barrel, Forest Glen