About Grace Richey Clarke
Grace Richey Clarke (GRC) was founded by Mrs. Grace Richey Clarke (1885-1949) in the 1920’s. Bored with city life and seeking to engage her artistic talent, Mrs. Clarke turned her weaving hobby into a thriving home-based business. An industrious and prolific designer of table cloths, shades, and window blinds, she wove yarns and cellophanes in “riotous, as well as conservative colors”. The Monitor, McAllen, Texas, Oct. 28, 1964.
“It all started in fun, but now has become quite a business”
-Grace Richey Clarke, The Monitor, July 12, 1936
Upon her passing in 1949, Grace Richey Clarke was survived by her husband, daughter and son.
Her daughter Jessie Clarke Daniels took the lead as the new owner of GRC and continued to build upon its success. Jessie’s brother, Robert, stayed with GRC as a salesman.
Jessie Clarke Daniels
The Monitor, McAllen, Texas,
January 13, 1950.
In 1950, Robert commented on his sister’s talent and his mother’s legacy:
“Clarke said interior decorators exhibited keen interest in the studio’s new-type accordion-pleat window blinds and praised the color and designs developed in drapery and fabrics by Mrs. Jessie Clarke Daniels. “I feel that in the next few years we can create a lasting monument to the artistry and craftsmanship of the late Grace Richey Clarke, whose perseverance and industry founded the business in which we are now engaged.”
GRC grew into one of the country’s premier producers of high-end woven window treatments. GRC reached $1 million in sales by 1958, and GRC shades were prominently displayed in Design Magazines and luxury homes nationwide.
In the 1980s, GRC relocated to its current home in Lafayette, Indiana, where our expert weavers continue to produce handcrafted shades and window treatments.
About Susan Clark
Today GRC is led by Susan Clark. Having learned couture sewing at an early age, Susan originally sought a career in the fashion industry. She studied fashion design at NYC's Fashion Institute of Technology and for the last 25+ years, has worked with leading interior designers across the country. By 2000 she narrowed her specialty to window treatments, turning her original sewing hobby into "quite a business" of her own.
Susan is proud to lead Grace Richey Clarke into its next chapter, as a woman-owned business of the 21st century. She marries her penchant for hard work with a desire to get it done right on behalf of her customers.
Both Grace Richey Clarke and Susan Clark's work has been featured in Architectural Digest. Susan's window treatments may also be found in House Beautiful and Elle Decor.