Clarice Cliff Facts!
by Emma Williams
- Clarice Cliff born on January 20th 1899 in Tunstall, Stoke-on-Trent.
- Clarice started work at the age of 13 in 'The Potteries'.
- She marries her then boss, Colley Shorter, in 1940.
- There were seven children in the family. Her mother Ann worked in washing to help the finance of the family. On the other hand, her father worked at local iron foundry in Tunstall.
- Clarice received different education from her siblings because she was sent to different schools. Therefore, she became an independent person. She was not raised by the standards of Stoke-on-Trent’s life style.
- One of her unusual decisions is moving to factory of A.J. Wilkinson at Newport in 1916. She believed that by working here she could develop the opportunities of her career.
- Her skills and talent were recognized by the people. Therefore, she got a studio in 1927.
- In 1930, Cliff was appointed Art Director to Newport Pottery and A. J. Wilkinson.
- A.J.Wilkinson and their Newport Pottery continued to sell ware under Cliff's name until 1964. The death of Colley Shorter in 1963 led Cliff to sell the factory to Midwinter in 1964 and she retired.
- Clarice Cliff dies suddenly at Chetwynd House on 23rd October 1972.