Tom Clark
Published: February 3, 2022This page contains affiliate links, meaning we earn a small commission if you buy through these links.
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Tom Clark gnomes are a line of collectible gnomes created by artist Tom Clark. They are known for their detailed sculpting and hand-painted finishes, and have become popular among gnome collectors. The first Tom Clark gnomes were created in the 1970s, and the line has since grown to include a wide variety of characters and themes. Many of the gnomes are based on popular culture figures, such as sports stars and celebrities, while others are based on traditional gnome imagery. They are no longer in production but are still available in the secondary market. The gnomes gained popularity among a wide range of people including former first lady Barbara Bush, actor Bob Newhart, and best-selling author Stephen King. These fans were known to collect multiples of the same gnomes, but with different paint schemes. Clark added a personal touch to each gnome by giving it a name and a story, and also included a hidden coin somewhere on the statue.
History
Dr. Thomas Fetzer Clark, or just Tom Clark, a native of Elizabethtown, North Carolina, graduated from Davidson College in 1949 with a degree in English. He continued his education receiving a Bachelor's in Divinity from Union Theological Seminary and a Ph.D. in Theology from University of Aberdeen in Scotland. Thomas also trained in sculpture at Roberts School of Art in Aberdeen, the Museum School of Art in Boston Massachusetts, and at City and Guilds of London School of Art. Before becoming a professor at Davidson College, he served briefly as a missionary in the Appalachian Mountains.
Tom Clark gnomes
Tom Clark's religious beliefs played a significant role in his artistic creations, including the gnomes he sculpted, which had a profound impact on the collectibles market. His family has strong ties to Davidson College, where his father and other relatives attended. In 1989, he was honored with the Distinguished Alumni Award at Davidson College, forty years after his father received the same award.
Life and career
"When Professor Tom Clark '49 began sculpturing more than 40 years ago, he dug clay from the creek in the middle of Patterson Fraternity Court on the north side of Davidson's campus. In 1958 Clark had just come to Davidson as an assistant professor of religion. Clark, who eventually became an associate professor, doesn't have time to dig his own clay anymore because his sculpture has led him from what was 'Nothing but a hobby' to what is now 'a big business,' he said." -Connie McLean '80
Dr. Clark left Davidson College in 1985 to devote his time to the Gnome business with Cairn Studio.
"I am a creative person, and sometimes creative people like me don't fit in well in structured organizations like college. For me, it is very satisfying to have people come into my Davidson shop or into a dealer's and pick out a statue because they like it. They're not just coming to see me because they've run out of the permitted class absences for the quarter," Dr. Clark points out with a wry smile.
Rien Poortvliet
What really inspired him to sculpture gnomes were drawings in the 1976 bestselling book Gnomes, written by Wil Huygen and illustrated by Rien Poortvliet. He happened to come across the Dutch book during the summer of 1978 where he was a storyteller for a boy's camp.
With their antique look, the Woodspirits and True Builders of America became very popular among collectors.
Death
Tom Clark passed away the morning of January 14, 2022 at the age of 93, but his art remains a staple in many homes. He had a talent for teaching, and was known for his sense of humor and clever approach to the subject material. He never married and had no children. Watch the documentary The World of Tom Clark on YouTube.
Value
When new, Tom Clark gnomes usually cost between $20 and $60, and 2ndhand collectors' items start at $5 and can go up to $500 or more. Scroll down for more prices and rare pieces.
Links
- Learn more about Tom at Cairn's Studio official website
Rien Poortvliet
Tom Clark based his gnomes on the stories of Rien Poortvliet, a Dutch artist. He made some wonderful drawings and paintings of gnomes.
I can really recommend having a look at his work in these Rien Poortvliet Gnome books on Amazon.
Browse other Cairn Studio ceramics:
Tom Clark value and price guide
What's your Tom Clark worth in 2024? Here are some recently sold items with prices.
| Item | Title | Date | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
RARE EARLY TOM CLARK GNOME SIGNED CAL IN FLOWERS | 07/2023 | US $500 |
 |
Tom Clark Gnome Figurine Sculpture Signed Elf | 05/2023 | US $425 |
 |
RARE Early Tom Clark Gnome Wizard 1980 | 06/2023 | US $400 |
 |
Tom Clark 3 Piece Civil War Signed Collectibles | 06/2023 | US $250 |
 |
32 TOM CLARK GNOMES APPRAISAL DOCUMENTATIONS | 07/2023 | US $250 |
 | See all sold items on eBay for more prices | 06/2024 | -.-- |
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