Higher Stennack, St. Ives, TR26 2HE
Tel: (01736) 799703
Email: office@leachpottery.com
Web: www.leachpottery.com
Birthplace of British studio pottery
The Leach Pottery in St. Ives was established by Bernard Leach and Shoji Hamada in 1920. One of the great figures of 20th century art, Leach played a crucial pioneering role in creating an identity for artist potters in Britain and around the world.
The Leach Pottery is managed by the Bernard Leach (St. Ives) Trust Ltd., a registered charity, founded in 2005. The primary purposes of the trust are to advance the education of the public in the life and work of Bernard Leach and his circle, and the development of studio pottery, and to provide training in the art, craft and making of pottery. The Leach Pottery was re-opened to the public as a Museum, Shop and Studio in 2008.
Bernard Leach was born and brought up in the Far East where his father was a colonial judge in Hong Kong and his maternal grandparents were missionaries in Japan. As a young man he studied etching at the London School of Art before settling in Japan where he became fascinated with pottery and studied under the great master Kenzan.
In 1920 he came back to England and started his own pottery in St. Ives, which over the next 50 years was a major focal point for the craft pottery movement. In the late 1920's he helped start the St. Ives Society of Artists, and in 1949 he was a founder member of the Penwith Society of Arts together with Barbara Hepworth and Ben Nicholson. Throughout his life, Bernard travelled extensively, passing on his knowledge to potters around the world. He died in 1979 at the age of 92.
The Leach Pottery in St. Ives is considered by many to be the birthplace of British studio pottery. Today, the old pottery with its famous 'climbing kiln' is preserved and open to the public with exhibitions showing the story of Bernard Leach's life and legacy. A new working pottery now operates, producing new work on site, while our shop and gallery display regular selling exhibitions and showcases by leading contemporary potters, locally, nationally and internationally.
A new museum has been created on site to celebrate the life, work, influences and legacy of Bernard Leach. Exhibition, gallery and shop spaces provide regular shows throughout the year featuring work by leading regional, national and international studio potters.
At Higher Stennack (on the B3306) on the upper outskirts of St. Ives.
Opening TimesDaily 10.00am - 5.00pm Admission Charged |
St. Ives Barbara Hepworth Museum Penwith Society of Art
Tate Gallery St. Ives Society of Artists Cornish Art Galleries Cornish Potteries