CERAMICS designed by one of the best-known figures of the pottery industry are expected to fetch tens of thousands of pounds at auction next month.

A collection of 100 Clarice Cliff pieces, described as one of the finest to ever come on to the market, is being sold at Bonham's auction house in New Bond Street, London, on Wednesday, March 18.

The collection, belonging to Swiss-born Sevi Guatelli, is expected to draw interest from the highest-level collectors, with some pieces that were sold for shillings 80 years ago expected to fetch up to £12,000 each.

Estimated prices for just 12 of the items add up to more than £60,000.

Many of the items are vases circa 1930 and include a Sunspots Lotus vase, rare because only 17 Sunspots designs are known to exist.

Other designs in the collection include Red Café, Football, May Avenue and Diamonds.

Among the items are a rare shaped Yo Yo vase, expected to reach between £7,000 and £9,000, and a rare triangular section vase, priced up at £8,000 to £12,000.

Natalie Evison, a Bonham's specialist in 1860 to 1945 designs, said: "This collection highlights Clarice Cliff's distinct style of the art deco and early modernist periods, representing the very best of her bold abstract designs and shapes including many rare examples that have not been seen on the market for many years."

Clarice Cliff, who was born in Tunstall, began producing her hand-painted pottery in 1917.

Fresh and innovative designs made her a household name and she is now regarded as one of the most influential ceramic artists of the 20th century.

Mark Oliver, head of design at Bonhams, said: "Clarice Cliff design was very much a product of its time.

"Out of the hardship and suffering of that period came this explosion of bright and vital objects that have stood the test of time.

"Their message is one of hope, of not giving in to despair and of taking joy in life and colour and beauty.

"It is perhaps small wonder then that items bought for shillings then are now selling for thousands of pounds."

Mr Guatelli, who lives in Glasgow, began collecting Clarice Cliff pieces in 1990 after his niece was learning about her for a school project.

His collection has been put together over the past decade.

Last year, he published a book celebrating her work as a designer, businesswoman and an artist.

Many of the items featured in the book are up for sale in the upcoming auction.

Former potter Terry Abbotts, a member of the Clarice Cliff Collectors' Club committee, managed to get a look at the items in his collection at an exhibition last year.

The 70-year-old, of Whitehill Road, Kidsgrove, said: "I was amazed by the collection. The only word to describe it is stunning.

"They are wonderful pieces, stunning beyond belief, and I expect they will attract a lot of interest from top-end dealers and collectors."

He added: "I don't know why they are being sold but I believe they are worth around £1 million.

"People say is it one of the finest collections ever assembled."