Clarice Cliff into context when he pointed out that in the same period, Susie Cooper, another Staffordshire ceramicist and designer, had " 'fewer than 20 reviews, all bar one in the trade press' ". Despite all the publicity she received, Cliff was actually quite camera shy, and in most cases the images of her pottery were what dominated the women's magazine of the day. One picture which shows Cliff informally was taken when a South African stockist of her ware, from Werner Brothers, visited the factory on a buying trip. Cliff is seen with the 3-year-old daughter and wife of the stockist.
Clarice Cliff were added by holding the piece upside down and painting thin lines amongst the flowers. Being made from the individual brushstrokes, the "Crocus" pattern was clearly completely hand-painted, and the vibrant colours instantly attracted large sales. Initially, Clarice had just one young decorator produce "Crocus", Ethel Barrow. But as orders flooded in by 1930 a separate decorating 'shop' was established underneath the top floor of the building which housed the 'Bizarre' shop, and Ethel became responsible for training young painters how to do the pattern. Twenty young women painted nothing but "Crocus" 5½ days a week, for much of the