Leach Pottery

The Leach Pottery was established in 1920 by the British potter Bernard Leach and the Japanese master potter Shoji Hamada. They built the traditional wood-fired climbing kiln on a hillside in St Ives, Cornwall. This foundation effectively sparked the modern studio pottery movement in the Western world.

Leach Pottery is renowned for its simple, functional stoneware that beautifully blends traditional English slipware with Japanese aesthetics. Bernard Leach heavily promoted the concept of the 'artist-potter' who individually crafts each piece by hand. Their pieces often feature muted earth tones, subtle ash glazes, and the iconic sgraffito designs.

Yes, the Leach Pottery operates today as a working studio, museum, and gallery in St Ives. Visitors can take guided tours to see the historic kiln and watch contemporary potters throwing wares on the wheel. The shop sells a wide range of Leach Standard Ware, continuing the artistic legacy established in 1920.

Shoji Hamada was a crucial co-founder who helped Leach build the first kiln and establish the foundational techniques of the studio before returning to Japan. Hamada later became a Living National Treasure in Japan, but his time in Cornwall heavily influenced cross-cultural pottery techniques. His involvement gave the Leach Pottery immense international prestige.