Joseph Crossland McClure [also known, incorrectly, as Joseph Crossland McClure] was born in Higher Broughton, Lancashire, England on 18 September 1871. Nothing is known about his training as an artist. In 1889 he married Ethel Eveline Emma Meen (1874-1939) who in the 1911 England and Wales Census gave her occupation as Artist Embroiderer. In the 1891 England and Wales Census McClure's occupation was given as Art Teacher. He was aged 19 and living as a boarder at 26 Westwood Street, Moss Side, Lancashire. In the 1901 Census his occupation was given as Sculptor, and his address as Ivy Bank, Wood Lane, Huyton, Lancashire. In the early 1900s he taught modelling at Liverpool School of Art and from 1903 to 1905 lived at 134 Bedford Street, Liverpool. In c.1905 he moved to Leicestershire to teach at Leicester School of Art. In 1906 his address was given as The Newarke, 4 Bourneville Cottages, Foss Road South, Leicester. By 1911 he had moved to London and the Census that year gave his address as 3 Pembroke Studios, Pembroke Gardens, Kensington, London. He continued to live at this address until at least 1913.