A well painted Clarice Cliff Globe shape Cup and Saucer in the popular Autumn Crocus pattern. Dating between 1930 and 1935, it carries the black 'Crocus Hand Painted Bizarre by Clarice Cliff' backstamp, the cup being Newport Pottery marked and the saucer Wilkinsons. Some collectors may not be aware that the two 'factory' names of Wilkinson and Newport relate to the very same Clarice Cliff pottery. The names, inherited from previous owners identify different area of the works, and to reduce the tax liability on AJ Wilkinson, some of the Newport building output was sold using a 'Newport Pottery' backstamp. In fact, backstamps were never applied in a consistent manner, hence there is a mix of the two on essentially identical items. What is important is that both pieces have the iconic Bizarre range mark.
Both pieces are well painted in strong, bright colours, the saucer has a band with three individual panels of crocus flowers against a cream honeyglaze ground. The cup has two panels of crocus flowers around the body. In good overall condition, there are no chips, cracks or crazing, and the flowers show no sign of oxidisation which can be seen on many Crocus pieces, particularly on the purple and occasionally the blue flowers. There is some wear on the brown band on the saucer and the brown band on the cup has a few pricks and scratches, all through use.
With the cup in the saucer, it is 3 inches (7.5cm) tall, the cup is 4 inches (10cm) in diameter and the saucer is 6 inches (15.25cm) in diameter.
A nicely painted duo in a popular pattern at a very affordable price, this is an ideal collectors piece or to make up a missing set.
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