Plaques mark life of Bizarre creator
THREE plaques have been unveiled paying tribute to one of the best-known figures of the pottery industry.
They have been put up at the birthplace of Tunstall-born Clarice Cliff, another home that she lived at and at the site of the former Newport Pottery, in Middleport, where she produced some of her most famous ranges.
The ceramic artist, born in 1899, was famous for her brightly coloured pieces, including Bizarre ware.
She produced more than 700 different designs during her career, and today the Clarice Cliff Collectors' Club has members all over the world.
Around 20 of them descended on the city at the weekend to be among the first to catch a glimpse of the plaques, and take part in a tour of Clarice Cliff landmarks aboard a 1960s coach, pictured below.
During a stop-off at the Middleport factory site they also got to dig for shards of pottery, near to the Trent and Mersey Canal.
Among those hunting for pottery was club committee member Peggy Wilson, who came up with the idea for the plaques in September when she visited the area from her home in London.
They were funded by the club and made by Stoke-based firm Colour Concepts.
The first was put up at the designer's place of birth in Meir Street, Tunstall, around the corner from the home she later moved to in Fuller Street.
Mrs Wilson, aged 64, who bought her first piece 14 years ago, said: "Clarice Cliff helped to lift people's spirits in the inter-war years and during the depression with her vibrant and bright pottery designs.
"Her work was art on pottery and during the depression, when many of the pottery firms were loosing money, Newport was doing very well because of the Bizarre ware."
She added: "I thought it was extremely important that she should be recognised in her home town.
"She never really left and was always happy to be here."
Auctioneer and Antiques Roadshow expert Will Farmer, also one of the club's original members, unveiled the two plaques in Tunstall.
He told those gathered outside Clarice Cliff's place of birth: "Back in 1899 this is where our favourite lady started her life.
"Who would have thought from this she would go on to create great things and the pottery we all love."
Later, he told The Sentinel: "Anything that marks these landmarks for generations to come is great.
"It is all too easy these days for people to forget, and things fade into the background.
"The plaques will be great for collectors and people who are interested because it means they will have something to come back and see."
Members of the club spent the weekend in North Staffordshire.
They enjoyed a talk on the history of Clarice Cliff pottery, an evening reception at one of her former homes, and lunch at venues the potter used to socialise at.
Committee member and former potter Terry Abbotts, aged 72, of Whitehill Road, Kidsgrove, said: "The members all said it was the best tour they have ever been on.
"The historic interest was so intense, they were fascinated by it all."
Mr Abbots added: "A BBC film crew came to get some material and that will be used in a new series in January."
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