Clifford Richards

Sitting and chatting to Clifford Richards over coffee in his Cirencester living room.

We discussed his work and his interests; an exciting career in graphic and paper product design and the success he's had along the way.

 Clifford studied illustration at the East Sussex School of Art and soon found his way into the world of advertising. The start of his career found him working for Ford Motor Company. Designing brochures was very hands on and, although it required no illustration work, Clifford directed the layouts and photography for each publication. Putting a new angle on things by using his own unique style, Clifford's methods quickly became something his peers admired greatly. When Clifford produced his James Bond style brochure for Ford things, really started to take off. Shortly after he was head hunted by top advertising agencies from far and wide.

 In the 1960's Clifford's career was consistently advancing.

One thing is for sure Clifford’s creations throughout his career have been varied, but if you know of Clifford's individual style you would recognise his superb anthology of work immediately.

Whist working in advertising Clifford started designing his own products and launched a collection of flat-packed self assembly cardboard gift boxes. Soon after followed ‘Slottizoo’ a range of eight animals that were also self-assembly flat-pack that required no glueing. 

These products were unique at the time. With their Pop-Art style, they captured the mood of the swinging 60's perfectly. After the their success he was commissioned to design and brand a range of similar products called ‘Polypops’; a key product for Paperchase's London store .

Gift boxes and Slottie animals

Clifford designed the illustrations manual  for the 'Lunatrack' toy in 1969. 

His bold graphic style can be seen from the offset within these images.

 Further collaboration between Clifford & Paperchase resulted in Clifford designing their logo, and then onto many other products for the store. One of these was the very successful Noah’s ark wrapping paper. Originally designed in 1970, a beautiful piece that we are very pleased to say we now stock in our shop and on line. 

Available now as a tin panel  the image above is a re-run of the best-selling design product for Paperchase in 1970.

Much of Clifford's work from the 60's and 70's is now held in the V&A's permanent collection. It was here that Gloria Daniel, of the Big Tomato Company, discovered Clifford's work. Clifford was quickly asked to reissue versions of his original paper gift boxes. The collaboration between Clifford and Gloria represents one of many that still thrive today.

Clifford’s work still uses the flat pack technique in some of his card designs. They allow people to transform a flat design into a three-dimension construction. 

One of the Pets Stand Up Cards range available in store.

Clifford's bold, colourful and humorous style can be clearly seen in his artwork. From his print collection to his collaboration with The Metal Box Company where he is chief designer. The collection of metal products that Clifford designs are made in Malmesbury, and clearly exhibit his bold and vibrant graphic illustrations. 

Metal cabinets and clock are made using powder-coated steel with a printed dye-sublimation process.

A collection of Clifford's cabinets and clocks are now available in store and on-line.

Taken inside Clifford's studio

Above are Clifford's newly designed solar power night lights. These were short-listed for the 'Gift of the Year 2014' and are now available in store and on our on-line shop.

What's on the horizon for Clifford now?
Whilst having a peek around his studio we caught sight of one of his new ventures.
Tea towels that can be cut out and made into dolls.
These are currently going through the production process, but are sure to stand out, proud and exciting like all his previous pieces.

Prototype tea towels in Clifford's studio

Many thanks Clifford!