Author Patricia Gostick

Patricia Gostick is the author of McClelland Barclay: Painter of Beautiful Women and More. It is the first-ever illustrated biography of the Art Deco era artist. As a vintage costume jewellery collector and dealer, she first became passionate about McClelland Barclay when she discovered this necklace and fell in love with his costume jewellery designs. But she couldn't find much information about him.

Years researching the artist

During the following twenty years of meandering research, Patricia travelled to various parts of the United States, tracking down clues about McClelland's life and works.

She amassed a considerable collection of McClelland Barclay jewellery made in the 1930s and 40s by Rice-Weiner & Company of Providence, RI. She began sharing her growing catalogue and knowledge of McClelland Barclay to other enthusiasts, by giving talks at conferences and writing articles published in leading collector magazines.

Discovering the works and life of McClelland Barclay

As Patricia learned more about McClelland Barclay jewellery, she discovered private and public collections of his oil paintings, drawings, and metal art decor products. She also compiled his numerous advertising and editorial illustrations which appeared in popular magazines, movie posters and fashion catalogues.

Along the way, she learned about his life, his loves and how he created art as part of his patriotic duty in the U.S. Naval Reserve during WWI and WWII. It became obvious that McClelland Barclay was much more than a 'Pretty Girl' artist.

Why Patricia Gostick wrote the book on McClelland Barclay

Gostick's earlier career as a French and English teacher and high school principal, combined with her extensive research into McClelland Barclay, prompted her to start writing his biography. But it was because of her passion for this man’s life story, now largely forgotten, that she was compelled to finish it.

Recognition by esteemed authorities  

Patricia's book has been reviewed by a number of renowned experts who recognize that the author's tenacious research led to many new revelations about the artist and his works, and is combined with the quality of her storytelling. Patricia is thrilled her book has become a valuable reference for collectors, curators, military and automotive historians...and is so much more than jewellery!

As I learned reading my friend Patricia Gostick’s book, McClelland Barclay: Painter of Beautiful Women and More, there’s much more to this jewelry story than I first realized. -- Pamela Wiggins-Siegel, Remembering McClelland Barclay Through Jewelry, Kovels Antique Trader, Nov 25, 2025

Other Publications by Patricia Gostick:

"The Jewelry of McClelland Barclay 1938-1943" by Patricia Gostick, Association for the Study of Jewelry and Related Arts (ASJRA), Adornment Vol. 14 No. 3, March, 2026.  “More Than Pretty Girls: A Collector's Guide to the Illustrations of McClelland Barclay” By Norman Platnick, Patricia Gostick, and Edwin Sullivan, Version 1.6, December, 2019. "McClelland Barclay: More than Beautiful Women", by Patricia Gostick. Illustration magazine, Vol. 7, No. 28, Fall 2009. “McClelland Barclay: A Signature Style”, by Patricia Gostick. Vintage Fashion & Costume Jewelry (VFCJ) magazine, Vol. 15 No. 4, Fall 2005.

Patricia Gostick lives in Toronto, Canada with her husband, two daughters, and a golden retriever.

In-demand Guest Speaker:

Patricia shares her book, her knowledge and expertise as an invited guest speaker for libraries, museums, book clubs, collector groups and charitable organizations at in-person and online forums. Some upcoming and recent talks include:

"The Sterling Silver Jewellery of McClelland Barclay, 1938 - 1943" Silver Society of Canada

"Collecting Vintage Costume Jewellery: A Passionate Affair"  CUFW North Toronto

“McClelland Barclay: A Signature Style”  Vintage Fashion & Costume Jewelry Conference, Providence, Rhode Island.

To enquire about having Patricia speak at your event, contact us.