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.

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4 items found:

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

Clarice Cliff (British, 1899-1972), Bizarre three piece cruet…

Clarice Cliff Bizarre Lucerne Cruet Set, c. 1930, Provenance Sydney

Clarice Cliff (British, 1899-1972), Bizarre three piece cruet set, c. 1930, 'Applique Lucerne' pattern, comprising salt, pepper and mustard pot, shakers marked 'Bizarre by Clarice Cliff' with hand painted 'Applique', pot with lid marked 'Hand painted…

Clarice Cliff, Bizarre vase, c. 1930, applique Lucerne pattern,…

Clarice Cliff Bizarre Vase, c. 1930

Clarice Cliff, Bizarre vase, c. 1930, applique Lucerne pattern, waisted form, printed factory mark to base hand painted Bizarre by Clarice Cliff Newport Pottery England, hand painted 'Applique' and impressed shape number '206', height 16 cm. Provenance:…

Clarice Cliff, Bizarre three piece cruet set, c. 1930, applique…

Clarice Cliff Bizarre Lucerne Cruet Set

Clarice Cliff, Bizarre three piece cruet set, c. 1930, applique Lucerne pattern, comprising salt, pepper and mustard pot, shakers marked 'Bizarre by Clarice Cliff' with hand painted 'Applique', pot marked 'Hand painted Bizarre by Clarice Cliff Newport…

Rare Clarice Cliff Art Deco coffee set, conical shape, Applique…

Rare Clarice Cliff Lucerne Art Deco Coffee Set

Rare Clarice Cliff Art Deco coffee set, conical shape, Applique range, Lucerne pattern. Comprising coffee pot, six each cups and saucers, cream and sugar. Excellent original condition. Small glaze loss rim of sugar