Few names in British ceramics command the admiration of collectors quite like Clarice Cliff. Her colourful Art Deco designs transformed everyday pottery into works of art, and today her pieces remain among the most desirable and valuable twentieth-century ceramics. From the famous Bizarre Ware to elegant floral patterns, Clarice Cliff pottery is instantly recognisable for its bold colours, geometric shapes and innovative artistic style.
Whether you’re an experienced collector or have discovered a colourful plate at a local antique shop or estate sale, understanding the history and dating of Clarice Cliff pottery can help determine both its authenticity and collectability.
Who Was Clarice Cliff?
Clarice Cliff (1899–1972) was born in Tunstall, Stoke-on-Trent, England, in the heart of Britain’s pottery industry. Growing up in a working-class family, she left school at just thirteen years of age to work in local potteries.
Her natural artistic talent quickly became apparent. After learning decorating, modelling and lithography, she joined A.J. Wilkinson Ltd. in 1916. Company director Colley Shorter recognised her remarkable ability and encouraged her creativity, eventually giving her a studio to develop her own designs.
The Birth of Bizarre Ware
In 1927 Clarice Cliff introduced what would become her most famous creation—Bizarre Ware.
Rather than discarding slightly imperfect white pottery, she decorated it with bold geometric patterns painted by hand. The colourful designs were unlike anything available at the time and perfectly reflected the growing Art Deco movement.
The range became an instant commercial success.
Soon, specially trained decorators known as the “Bizarre Girls” hand-painted thousands of pieces, with demonstrations held in department stores throughout Britain to showcase the vibrant new style.
Clarice Cliff and the Art Deco Movement
The 1920s and 1930s embraced modern architecture, jazz, streamlined design and bright colours. Clarice Cliff’s pottery perfectly captured this spirit.
Unlike traditional English china, her ceramics featured:
- Bold geometric shapes
- Vibrant oranges, yellows, greens and blues
- Cubist-inspired landscapes
- Stylised flowers
- Modern abstract decoration
- Hand-painted finishes
Today these designs are considered among the finest examples of British Art Deco ceramics.
Famous Clarice Cliff Patterns
Hundreds of patterns were produced, although some are considerably rarer than others.
Crocus
Perhaps the most recognisable design.
Painted using simple upward brush strokes in purple, blue and orange with green leaves, Crocus became one of her longest-running and best-selling patterns.
Autumn Crocus
A richer variation using autumn shades including burnt orange, yellow and brown.
Original Bizarre
The earliest geometric designs consisting of triangles, diamonds, circles and bold colour blocks.
These are among the most sought-after by collectors.
Fantasque
Introduced during the late 1920s and early 1930s.
Included imaginative landscapes featuring:
- Trees
- Mountains
- Cottages
- Bridges
- Lakes
- Stylised clouds
Many collectors consider Fantasque the pinnacle of Clarice Cliff’s artistic output.
Orange Roof Cottage
One of her signature landscape designs.
Simple cottages with vivid orange roofs became an enduring symbol of Clarice Cliff pottery.
Appliqué
Highly decorative floral and landscape patterns painted with remarkable detail.
These pieces are among the rarest and most valuable today.
Honolulu
One of her most colourful tropical-inspired patterns featuring exotic foliage and bold colours.
What Products Did Clarice Cliff Make?
Clarice Cliff produced an enormous variety of household ceramics.
Collectors commonly find:
- Plates
- Tea sets
- Teapots
- Coffee sets
- Cups and saucers
- Jugs
- Creamers
- Sugar bowls
- Bowls
- Vases
- Wall pockets
- Candle holders
- Preserve pots
- Toast racks
- Bonbon dishes
- Salt and pepper sets
- Jardinieres
- Biscuit barrels
Many unusual shapes were specifically designed by Clarice herself, making certain forms significantly rarer than standard tableware.
How to Date Clarice Cliff Pottery
Dating Clarice Cliff pottery relies on a combination of factory marks, patterns, shapes and manufacturing techniques.
1. Examine the Backstamp
Backstamps provide the first clue.
Common marks include:
1927–1930
- Bizarre by Clarice Cliff
- Newport Pottery
- Hand Painted Bizarre
1930s
- Fantasque
- Newport Pottery
- Wilkinson Ltd.
- Clarice Cliff Newport Pottery
1940s–1950s
- Royal Staffordshire Ceramics
- By Clarice Cliff
1950s–1964
- More traditional Royal Staffordshire marks with Clarice Cliff’s name incorporated into the design.
2. Study the Pattern
Certain patterns belong to specific production periods.
- Original Bizarre – late 1920s
- Cubist designs – 1929–1932
- Fantasque landscapes – early 1930s
- Crocus – late 1920s onwards
- Floral moulded wares – mid to late 1930s
3. Look at the Shape
Clarice Cliff designed many distinctive forms.
Angular shapes generally indicate earlier Art Deco production, while softer rounded shapes often date to the mid to late 1930s.
4. Check if it is Hand Painted
Most desirable Clarice Cliff pottery was individually hand painted.
Brush strokes should show slight variations rather than perfect printed decoration.
5. Consider the Colours
Early pieces typically feature:
- Bright orange
- Canary yellow
- Emerald green
- Cobalt blue
- Black outlines
Later post-war production became noticeably more restrained.
Which Clarice Cliff Pieces Are Most Valuable?
Collectors generally seek:
- Early Original Bizarre
- Rare shapes
- Appliqué patterns
- Fantasque landscapes
- Large chargers
- Complete tea services
- Experimental pieces
- Limited production designs
- Factory trial pieces
Rare combinations of unusual shapes and uncommon patterns can achieve many thousands of dollars at auction.
Reproductions and Later Pieces
Clarice Cliff pottery has been reproduced several times, particularly from the late twentieth century onwards.
Modern commemorative issues are attractive collectables in their own right but generally do not command the values of original 1920s and 1930s examples.
Collectors should always examine:
- Backstamps
- Glaze quality
- Weight
- Hand-painted decoration
- Shape
- Provenance
When purchasing expensive examples, obtaining expert authentication is advisable.
Caring for Clarice Cliff Pottery
To preserve both value and appearance:
- Wash by hand only.
- Avoid dishwashers.
- Never use abrasive cleaners.
- Store valuable pieces individually.
- Display away from direct sunlight.
- Repair chips professionally if necessary.
Original paint can remain vibrant for nearly a century when properly cared for.
Why Collectors Love Clarice Cliff
Clarice Cliff changed British ceramics forever. At a time when tableware was largely traditional and conservative, she introduced colour, imagination and modern design to everyday life.
Today her work appeals to collectors of Art Deco, British pottery, interior design and decorative arts alike. The best examples continue to rise in popularity, making original Clarice Cliff pottery both a joy to own and a highly desirable addition to many collections.
Whether you inherit a Crocus teacup or discover a rare Bizarre vase at an antique fair, every authentic Clarice Cliff piece represents one of the most innovative chapters in British ceramic history.
Looking to Buy or Sell Clarice Cliff Pottery?
At Bygone Relics, we regularly source and sell quality British ceramics, including Clarice Cliff, Royal Doulton, Moorcroft, Carlton Ware and other collectable pottery. If you have a Clarice Cliff piece you’d like identified or valued, we’re always happy to help.
Explore our latest antique and vintage ceramics online or contact us for a professional appraisal.
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