Explore the vibrant world of Clarice Cliff through the Wedgwood plate collection, featuring designs like “Garden Blue,” “Blue Lucerne,” “Monsoon,” “Red Tree,” and “Dantesque Mountain.” This blog delves into the history, design elements, and collectibility of these limited edition plates, crafted to the exacting standards of The Bradford Exchange. Learn about Cliff’s pioneering work in the Art Deco movement and how these plates bring her iconic patterns to life.
Introduction to Clarice Cliff and Wedgwood Collaboration
Clarice Cliff is celebrated for her innovative and vibrant ceramic designs, making her a key figure in the Art Deco movement. Wedgwood, a renowned ceramics manufacturer, has brought Cliff’s iconic designs to life through a special collection of plates. This collaboration has produced stunning pieces such as “Garden Blue,” “Blue Lucerne,” “Monsoon,” “Red Tree,” and “Dantesque Mountain.” This blog will delve into the history, design elements, and collectibility of these plates, providing valuable insights for vintage and antique enthusiasts.
The Legacy of Clarice Cliff
Clarice Cliff was a pioneering ceramic artist who became a significant figure in the Art Deco movement. Born on January 20, 1899, in Tunstall, Stoke-on-Trent, she began working in the ceramics industry at the age of 13. In 1916, she joined the AJ Wilkinson pottery factory, where her exceptional skills and creativity soon led to her being given her own studio. By 1927, she launched her famous “Bizarre” range, which featured bold geometric patterns, vibrant colours, and whimsical designs.
Clarice Cliff's Rise to Fame:
- Bizarre Ware: Launched in 1927, this range brought Clarice Cliff international recognition. The designs were characterised by their vibrant colours and imaginative patterns, which stood in stark contrast to the more subdued ceramics of the time.
- Crocus Pattern: Introduced in 1928, this design featured hand-painted crocus flowers and became immensely popular. The demand for this pattern led to the establishment of a separate decorating department at the factory.
Example of Clarice Cliff’s Crocus Pattern:
This charming cream jug features Clarice Cliff’s iconic Crocus pattern, characterised by vibrant hand-painted flowers in bold colours. Designed in 1928 and produced by Newport Pottery Co. Ltd, this piece exemplifies Clarice Cliff’s innovative and whimsical approach to ceramics. It is part of the Victoria and Albert Museum’s extensive collection, highlighting the lasting impact of her artistic contributions.
Clarice Cliff's Artistic Contributions:
- Innovative Techniques: Clarice Cliff was known for her innovative approach to ceramics, often experimenting with shapes, colours, and glazing techniques.
- Cultural Impact: Her work embodied the spirit of the Art Deco movement, reflecting the era’s fascination with modernity, technology, and bold artistic expression.
- Recognition and Legacy: Despite facing challenges in a male-dominated industry, Clarice Cliff’s determination and talent earned her a lasting place in art history. Her designs remain highly sought after by collectors and continue to influence contemporary ceramic artists.
Example of Clarice Cliff’s Bizarre Ware Plate:
This vibrant plate showcases Clarice Cliff’s signature style, featuring bold geometric patterns and bright colours. Designed in 1928 and manufactured by Newport Pottery Co. Ltd, it is a perfect example of her innovative approach to ceramics that brought her international acclaim. This piece is part of the Victoria and Albert Museum collection, demonstrating the enduring legacy of Clarice Cliff's work.
Wedgwood’s Role in Preserving Clarice Cliff’s Art
Wedgwood, established in 1759, is synonymous with high-quality ceramics. Their collaboration with the rights holders of Clarice Cliff’s designs in the 1990s allowed for the reproduction of her iconic patterns on fine bone china plates. These plates were produced as limited editions, often restricted to a maximum of 50 firing days, ensuring their exclusivity and collectible value.
Reproduction Process:
- Reinterpreting Original Designs: The plates in the limited edition collection were produced by Wedgwood in the 1990s. These designs are not merely inspired by, but are direct reproductions or re-interpretations of Clarice Cliff’s original artworks. The process involves translating her paintings and patterns onto fine bone china plates.
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Maintaining Artistic Integrity: During the reproduction process, great care is taken to maintain the integrity of the original designs. This includes ensuring the colors, patterns, and overall aesthetic closely match Clarice Cliff’s original works. The goal is to preserve the artistic vision and style that made her work so distinctive.
The Bradford Exchange and Its Standards
The Bradford Exchange, founded in 1973, is a leader in the collectibles market. Known for their high standards, they partner with artists and manufacturers to create limited edition items. Their collaboration with Wedgwood ensured that the Clarice Cliff collection met rigorous quality benchmarks.
About The Bradford Exchange:
- Specialisation: Focuses on producing and marketing limited edition collectibles, including plates, dolls, coins, and more.
- Quality Assurance: Each item undergoes stringent quality control processes to ensure superior craftsmanship.
- Authenticity: Products come with certificates of authenticity and unique Bradex numbers, verifying their legitimacy and collectible status.
- Market Reach: Utilises direct-to-consumer marketing through catalogs, online stores, and advertisements, reaching a broad audience of collectors.
This partnership ensured that each plate was not only a piece of art but also a valuable collectible item.
The Plates in Detail
Blue Lucerne
“Blue Lucerne” is another striking design, showcasing a serene and stylized depiction of nature with soft blue hues dominating the scene. This plate exemplifies Cliff’s ability to blend natural motifs with geometric precision.
Monsoon
“Monsoon” captures the essence of a landscape with dramatic colours and patterns. The use of blues and greens, accented with bright highlights, creates a dynamic and captivating design.
Red Tree
The “Red Tree” plate features a bold red tree set against a contrasting background. This design highlights Cliff’s talent for combining striking colours with abstract forms to create visually compelling scenes.
Garden Blue
The “Garden Blue” plate features a whimsical landscape with stylised trees, flowers, and a winding path. The bold blue background and vibrant elements in orange, yellow, and green make this design a standout piece.
Fantesque Mountain
“Fantesque Mountain” presents a dramatic and surreal landscape. The intricate patterns and vibrant colours reflect Cliff’s imaginative style, making this plate a valuable addition to any collection.
Conclusion
The collaboration between Clarice Cliff and Wedgwood, facilitated by The Bradford Exchange, has produced a series of plates that are both beautiful and valuable. These pieces not only preserve the artistic legacy of Clarice Cliff but also offer collectors a chance to own a piece of art history. Whether you are a seasoned collector or a new enthusiast, these plates are a perfect addition to any collection.
Explore our collection of Clarice Cliff-designed Wedgwood plates and add a touch of Art Deco elegance to your home. Visit our website to view these and other vintage and antique items available for sale.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can these plates be used for dining purposes?
No, these plates are for decorative purposes only. Consuming food from these plates may be harmful.
What makes Clarice Cliff’s designs special?
Clarice Cliff’s designs are renowned for their vibrant colours, bold geometric patterns, and whimsical themes, characteristic of the Art Deco movement.
How were these plates produced?
The plates were produced by Wedgwood in the 1990s as part of a limited edition series, faithfully reproducing Clarice Cliff’s original designs using fine bone china.
What is The Bradford Exchange’s role in this collection?
The Bradford Exchange partnered with Wedgwood to market and distribute these plates, ensuring high-quality craftsmanship and authenticity.
How can I verify the authenticity of these plates?
Each plate comes with a certificate of authenticity (not included in this collection on the SOSC website) and a unique Bradex number, verifying its legitimacy as part of the limited edition series.
Are these plates considered valuable collectibles?
Yes, due to their limited production, high-quality craftsmanship, and artistic heritage, these plates are highly valued by collectors.
Odette
The owner of Something Old Something Chic (SOSC Home), is passionate about vintage and antique items. With years of experience in curating and selling exquisite collections, Odette has a deep appreciation for the craftsmanship and history of every piece. Dedicated to providing exceptional service and quality, Odette strives to help collectors and enthusiasts find the perfect additions to their collections.