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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5 items found:

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

Clarice Cliff, Three 'Bizarre' Conical Sugar Sifters, Pastel…

Clarice Cliff Bizarre Sugar Sifters (Set of 3)

Clarice Cliff, Three 'Bizarre' Conical Sugar Sifters, Pastel Melon', 'Viscaria', and 'Rudyard' pattern, printed factory marks to bases 'Hand Painted Bizarre by Clarice Cliff Newport Pottery England', one missing cork stopper (2), height 14 cm. Provenance:…

A Clarice Cliff sample-decorated bowl, 1930s, Wilkinson,…

Clarice Cliff Viscaria Bowl

A Clarice Cliff sample-decorated bowl, 1930s, Wilkinson, circular, decorated to opposing sides with 'Viscaria' .8 cm high 16 cm diameter

Clarice Cliff 'Viscaria' jug circa 1936, mould number 634,…

1936 Clarice Cliff Viscaria Jug from Newport Pottery

Clarice Cliff 'Viscaria' jug circa 1936, mould number 634, Newport pottery, approx 17.5 cm high

Clarice Cliff 'Viscaria' jug circa 1936, mould number 634,…

Clarice Cliff Viscaria Jug, 1936

Clarice Cliff 'Viscaria' jug circa 1936, mould number 634, Newport Pottery, approx 17.5 cm high

Clarice Cliff 'Viscaria' pattern basket vase, from the Bizarre…

Clarice Cliff Bizarre Viscaria Basket Vase

Clarice Cliff 'Viscaria' pattern basket vase, from the Bizarre range