Bernard Leach Pottery In St Ives To Become Centre Of Excellence

By 24 Hour Museum Staff

10/03/2008

The internationally renowned Leach Pottery, in St Ives, Cornwall, which reopened its doors to the public on March 6 following a £1.7 million transformation, is set to become an international centre of excellence celebrating the life and influence of its creator Bernard Leach.

One of the great figures of 20th Century art, Bernard Leach played a pioneering role in developing ceramics in Britain and around the world. The establishment of the Leach Pottery in 1920 led to the development of his reputation as a key pioneering figure in the ceramics world.

Now a partnership between the pottery and University College Falmouth, will enable students to work alongside established craftspeople to develop their techniques at the newly reopened centre. There will also be mentoring for business start-ups and studio space for emerging talent.

“The Leach Pottery will once again become a place where quality work is made, young potters are inspired and trained, and visitors are introduced to the Leach heritage and the significance of ceramics in the cultural world of today,” said Chairman of the Bernard Leach (St Ives) Trust Limited, Lady Carol Holland.