* Clay: She primarily used earthenware clay, a type of clay that is fired at a relatively low temperature, making it suitable for the vibrant colors she favored.
* Glaze: Clarice Cliff's signature style relied heavily on bright, opaque glazes. She often used tin oxide glaze to create the white background for her intricate designs. She then applied layers of colored glazes on top, often using a technique called "overglaze", where the colors were applied over a base glaze.
* Decorative techniques: She used a wide range of decorative techniques, including:
* Hand-painted designs: Some of her early work involved hand-painted details, but she quickly moved towards more efficient methods.
* Transfer printing: A significant portion of her work utilized transfer printing, where designs were printed onto paper and then transferred onto the glazed pottery.
* Stencilling: She also used stencils for applying colors and patterns.
* "Bizarre" style: Her most recognizable pieces were part of her "Bizarre" style, where she used bold, abstract patterns, geometric shapes, and vibrant colors.
While the specific formulas for her glazes and colors are not publicly available, her pieces are admired for their quality and the longevity of the colors.
It's worth noting that the materials and techniques Clarice Cliff used were not unique to her. Many other potteries at the time utilized similar methods, but she pushed the boundaries of design and color, creating a truly unique and recognizable style.