Product Description

The dazzling ceramics of Clarice Cliff and of the Wilkinson family in the north of England have become one of the great collectables from the 20th century. Ever since the exuberant colours and bold shapes of Clarice Cliff's classic Art Deco pieces first caught the imagination of collectors, auction prices have moved inexorably ever upwards. Now, after many years of research, both in the Wilkinson archives and through the oral testimonies of surviving employees, Greg Slater has produced the first comprehensive and dazzling survey of the work of Clarice Cliff and her largely uncredited colleagues at the Wilkinson Pottery from the 1920s to the 1950s. In a massive work of reference, the origin, name, designer, date and decoration method of all the significant pieces are easily identified. Accessible through three indexes - pattern name, number and backstamp - the book is organized by Pattern (including groups assigned by the Wilkinson Pottery and recognizable themes) and also by Shape (an instant identifier for ceramics without a backstamp). With 2,000 illustrations - all fully referenced and indexed, along with a history, bibliography, glossary and collectors' guide - this will be the definitive book on the subject for generations to come.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #150017 in Books
• Published on: 2005-07-18
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 448 pages

Review
'Superb'
--The Birmingham Post

About the Author
Greg Slater is editor of the magazine for Clarice Cliff collectors, The Agora. Together with an editorial board of Cliff experts, Jonathan Brought, Neil Mitchell and Richard Ansell, he has conducted the most detailed research ever made into the output of Clarice Cliff and the Wilkinson Pottery.

Customer Reviews

Astonishingly detailed content, glorious colour images
A huge, meaty book, exactly as described in the title - Comprehensive! An absolute wealth of informed & researched detail, beatifully presented & put together. Impressive colour images, a perfect addition to the collection for anyone interested in the works of Clarice Cliff.

A definitive, fabulously illustrated Clarice Cliff reference
Let me start by saying that no other reference work comes close to this level of detail in its visually glorious treatment of Clarice Cliff designs. This work includes a short Clarice Cliff history but its forte is the detailed examination of the shapes and patterns themselves. Consequently, this work compliments but does not replace existing books on Clarice Cliff that are more narrative or historical in nature.

The book covers virtually all the Clarice Cliff shapes and patterns that can be found in current day archives, including the heyday 1920's and 1930's, and many later designs running up to and including the 1950's. A special section on Wilkinson presents new research proving that patterns previously attributed to Clarice Cliff have been found to be Wilkinson designs. The work also shines a spotlight on key designers from the Clarice Cliff and Wilkinson camps: Dolly Cliff, Eric Elliott, John Butler of Oriflamme fame, Fred Salmon and Harold Walker. There is also a section on the "Art in Industry" series from 1934, and even a small section on Japanese copies from the same era!

Photographically, groupings and individual pieces are given generous space and blessedly consistent photographic backgrounds, allowing easy contemplation of the ceramic designs without the over-close juxtaposition of neighbouring pieces. While all patterns are dated, an intelligent approach of "pattern categories" will help new and experienced collectors alike to easily locate specific patterns or browse the stunning visual groupings that this work achieves.

Beyond patterns, there is also an extensive section covering both Wilkinson and Clarice Cliff shapes. Supporting content includes an extensive backstamp section and a "Collectors' Guide" that examines trends in conservation and restoration.

Comprehensively Clarice Cliff works well both as a coffee table book and as a lavishly illustrated reference. It is bound to become essential reading for anyone with a professional or personal interest in Clarice Cliff.

Not so comprehensive
I purchased this book believing from the title that it was a "comprehensive" list of Clarice Cliff's designs and shapes. However, I soon realised there were many NOT included. I found on the internet that the Clarice Cliff Collector's Club members have worked out there are over 30 major designs and various shapes missing. The worst omission from the patterns section was the large My Garden range that was her best seller from 1934-1940. But what annoyed me most was that it has over 25 pages of designs that have nothing to do with Clarice Cliff, but from the Wilkinson's factory. Many of these are of printed designs not the hand painted ones she is famous for. Also, because the main author is Australian the book covers obscure designs sold in that part of the world, again nothing to do with Clarice. The book has very little detail about Clarice or her life. I do not recommend it. Instead check out the older cheaper books which concentrate just on Clarice Cliff.