Margaret “Peggy” Ratcliff, who is 84 this year, had a retrospective showing of her work at the Marietta-Cobb Museum of Art. The exhibit focused on enamel on copper, for which she is best known, and included works in other media. The enamels, pottery, ceramics, oil paintings and watercolors represent over 62 years of work showcasing her versatility and love of life.

Considered the nation’s best by many in the field of enameling, much she has done is considered impossible by others who have attempted the medium. 

Copper enamel is made by shaping copper and then coating it with different colors of ground glass. This is then fired in a kiln which bonds the glass to the metal creating an art form that lasts in beautiful condition for many centuries.

A widow now, Peggy made costumes for many years for her husband’s Carl Ratcliff Dance Theater. Some of her enamel work was inspired by his oriental garden and bonsai collection at their ranch in Lilburn. Goats, turtles, monkeys, cats, dogs, wild birds and other critters from the ranch found their way into her work. 

She claims to be retired now, but still goes to the kiln and works for a few hours each day. There were over one hundred of her remarkable and extraordinary works in the show on loan from around Marietta, the state, country and the world.

See her work and be impressed.  Buy a piece and be pleased for a lifetime!