Clarice Cliff Bizarre Ware

Clarice Cliff's Bizarre Ware was officially launched in 1928 by A.J. Wilkinson Ltd. in Burslem, Staffordshire. The line was produced throughout the 1930s and became the most famous example of British Art Deco pottery. It was initially sold as a small collection of brightly painted "shape" blanks.

Some of the most iconic patterns in the Bizarre Ware line include "Crocus," "Age of Jazz," and the geometric "Rhodanthe." The "Crocus" pattern, featuring small stylized flowers, was so popular it was produced in various colorways for over a decade. These designs remain highly prized by Art Deco collectors worldwide.

While Clarice Cliff designed the shapes and patterns, the actual hand-painting was carried out by a team of young women known as the "Bizarre Girls." Cliff trained these painters at the Wilkinson factory to execute her precise, colorful designs. This team approach allowed the studio to meet the massive demand for the highly popular line.

Authentic Clarice Cliff pieces are hand-painted and will feature her characteristic signature mark, usually reading "Clarice Cliff" or "Bizarre," alongside a molded shape number. Fakes often have poorly executed geometric patterns, incorrect backstamps, or lack the raised molding typical of the era. Genuine pieces also show slight, hand-painted variations in the pattern.