Margery Clinton facts for kids

Margery Clinton (1931–2005) was a Scottish artist who specialized in ceramics. She was especially known for her unique "lustre glazes." These glazes give pottery a shiny, metallic, or iridescent look, almost like a rainbow.

Margery studied painting at the Glasgow School of Art from 1949 to 1953. She was part of a group called the Young Glasgow group. Their first art show was held in 1958 at the McLellan Galleries.

Later, Margery became very interested in ceramics. She went on to research her special glazes at the Royal College of Art in London in the early 1970s. While there, she also studied a technique for lustre glass used by Louis Comfort Tiffany.

Margery's Creative Workshops

In 1978, Margery Clinton opened her own workshop in Newton Port, Haddington, Scotland. She worked there with Jan Williamson until 1981. Evelyn Corbett also helped her for many years.

Margery continued working in Haddington until 1995. Then, she moved her studio to a new place at Templelands, near Dunbar.

Amazing Tile Art

Later in her life, Margery Clinton created many impressive art pieces for buildings. These are called "architectural commissions." Her tile work, in particular, was considered truly spectacular.

Margery's durable tile art can still be seen in public places today. For example, you can find her tile work at the Mary Erskine School in Edinburgh. Her art is even in the staff toilets at the Scottish National Portrait Gallery!

In her later work, Margery experimented with "paperclay." This is clay with a small amount of paper added to it. Adding paper changed the clay's properties completely, allowing her to create new kinds of art.

Sharing Her Knowledge

Margery Clinton also wrote a book called Working with Lustres. It was published in 1991. This book made it easier for others to learn the special techniques she used in her famous lustreware.

Where to See Her Work

Margery Clinton's artwork is part of important collections. You can find her pieces at the Tate, the Victoria and Albert Museum, and the Glasgow Art Gallery. Her work is also at the National Museum of Scotland.

The National Library of Scotland keeps a detailed record of her glaze recipes and research. They also have her letters, financial papers, and other working documents from 1969 to 1995.