The potteries female designers and why we must celebrate their heritage.

 

Above Clarice Cliff in the 60's

History has been kind to Clarice Cliff and Susie Cooper, although there are many others Charlotte Rhead, and a few others.

The Clarice Cliff story is well known by now but the Film The Colour Room was a marketing film finishing in 1930, where was the other 42 years she lived?

A play is going round focusing on Clarice and her private life, rumour of her being gay do hold water, therefore, this could be in the play? I know at least 2 plays are in the pipe line.

The Council in Stoke are hoping for a statue of Clarice, how this will bring her lovely work to the public?  Is the $64,000 question, statues are cold and impersonal, therefore what it can achieve is?

 Below is an unknown pattern from Bigarre 1928.

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This year has seen many potteries go to the dogs, History is not enough to keep these wonderful places open, The Ikea generation having no time for ornaments and such like? Even the Chinese are having little sales on ceramics, I would have thought the history of British designers would be the paramount  subject leading to tourism and interest in hand on education in the world of ceramics.

I feel tourism does bode well for the future, sadly nothing has been seen, I suggested a Clarice Cliff room, someone painting her work would be a great draw? Everyone hears her name but know little of her work and the methods used all those years ago.

The financial world of Clarice has had a bit of a reverse financially but money does remain the main driver of Clarice Cliff's work. I would have thought reproduction of rare pieces under license be the continued interest in owing a piece? I feel this is the way forward,

Susie Cooper again has been rather forgotten? perhaps an exhibition of her work is long overdue? timeless designs that stand as a beacon of high quality work.

Charlotte Rhead died in 1948, her work is in a Moorcroft style again rather forgotten? Stoke needs to step up and do various things to enhance the skills of these icons. I have been in touch with the leader of Stoke Council, The lady has an open mind and has been helpful with suggestions which I shall follow up. The Department of Culture and Media have been contacted, nothing helpful as to date.

Keep going and hopefully we can see some developments? not by paid PR people, but everyday people who Clarice designed for all those years ago.

Above Crocus which was in production from 1928-1968 By special order.

Chris Rogers designer/historian 2025.