Friends of Rochdale Art Gallery go potty about Clarice Cliff

Clarice Cliff pots

Friends of Rochdale Art Gallery (FRAG) returned to pre-pandemic numbers in Gallery 1 at Touchstones as they were introduced to the world of celebrated designer Clarice Cliff (1899-1972) on Thursday 10 November.

Pat Osborne, a member of the Cruise Lecturers’ Association, gave a potted history of one of the UK's most prolific and important ceramicists.

Pictured here are two of her 1930 patterns: ‘Melon’ on a shape 14 vase, and ‘Circle Tree’ on an Eton shape coffeepot.

Cliff’s early ‘Bizarre Ware’ in the popular Art Deco style was an immediate success. She went on to add hundreds of patterns to the original range. Production of her 1928 ‘Crocus’ range in 5 colour ways lasted until 1963.

Bizarre could also describe her success as a female English ceramic artist and designer in the early twentieth century. Active from 1922 to 1963, Cliff became the head of the ceramic factory creative department despite humble beginnings in sooty Berslam in the Potteries. Not just a brilliant designer but also a diligent worker with a good head for business, Cliff cared for her staff but expected her own exacting standards of commitment. She had 70 in her painting team and would also advertise by live painting sessions in stores.

Bargain Hunt or Antiques Roadshow devotees go potty over her work. Unfortunately, so do fakers!

Originals at auction break records - in 2000 a May Avenue charger sold for £40,000 and in 2002 a non-production piece called Sunspots brought £20,000. An inspiring success story.

Dr Joe Dawson

FRAG meets on the second Thursday in the month at Touchstones. Tea, coffee & biscuits served from 1pm - Guest Speaker from 1.30pm - 2.30pm. Members £3, Non-members £4 on the door.

All welcome. Annual membership is only £10 and you will be supporting your local art gallery and get discounted rates on talks and trips organised by the Friends and invitations to private views for exhibitions.

For further details please contact Jenny Buckley (Chair, FRAG) on 01706 358686 or Mark Doyle on 01706 924555.