Clarice Cliff and Her Contemporaries

Over 420 color photographs illustrate the wide range of wares made available by Cliff, Cooper, Murray, Rhead, and those at Carlton: designers whose creative genius surfaced during the Art Deco years and recently met with a resurgence in popularity. The early twentieth century, following World War I, was a time of experimentation and radical change in the arts. After World War II, the revolutionary modernist movement began. Yet, despite the changing times, Cliff and her contemporaries maintained their position of influence. This book traces the artistic heritage of these designers and their sources of inspiration. By examining these designers' works and patterns, collectors gain a new appreciation for their talents, adaptability, and creative genius. Throughout this book, detailed observations regarding the artistic merits suggest reasons for the continuing popularity of these designs. In addition, historical information on the factories, a price guide, and vital information on forgeries make this book a valuable resource for both the beginning and advanced collector.
About the Author: Helen Cunningham's interest in literature, and consequently in history, of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries began years ago. Uncertain of whether it was her interest that led her to an appreciation of the pottery of the periods, or vice versa, Helen concludes that perhaps it was growing up with antiques that sparked her initial interest. For over twenty years, Ms. Cunningham has collected nineteenth and twentieth-century pottery. Her love of pottery, interest in travel and art history, and background in research inspired her to gather information from original catalogs and factory records whenever she had the chance. In her travels, both in the United States and abroad, she has taken advantage of every opportunity to research pottery. Her last book is entitled Majolica Figures. Ms. Cunningham received her B. A. and M. A. in English, and has taught both writing and literature for more than twelve years. Her vocation and her avocation often combined: professional organizations invited her to speak on pottery of the period, antique collectors' clubs asked her to discuss period ceramic arts in a social context, and newsletters requested articles. Currently, Ms. Cunningham lives in Tennessee with her husband and two children, all of whom appreciate the artistry of various pottery designers. Her collection has indeed become a project for the entire family!