Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Leach Pottery - St Ives, Cornwall
Founded in 1920 by Bernard Leach and Shoji Hamada, our pottery has become a globally respected institution shaping the trajectory of studio pottery. Over a century, we have nurtured generations of international potters, students, and apprentices, fostering a unique East/West creative exchange in Cornwall. Our studio, museum, and gallery continue Bernard Leach's legacy through active pottery production, educational programs, and curated exhibitions. We maintain traditional techniques while innovating through contemporary practices, ensuring accessibility through workshops, courses, and public engagement. Our historic kilns and workshops remain operational, preserving craftsmanship while adapting to modern needs.With a team of skilled potters and educators, we offer immersive experiences in ceramic arts, from beginner sessions to advanced training. Our museum houses significant collections documenting the evolution of British studio pottery, accessible to researchers and visitors. We collaborate with contemporary artists and maintain rigorous quality standards in our Standard Ware and bespoke pieces. Through publications, lectures, and international partnerships, we extend our influence beyond Cornwall. Our commitment to accessibility ensures inclusive participation in pottery for diverse audiences.
Services
Pottery Courses
Museum Visits
Workshops
Exhibitions
Retail Sales
Details
- Year established: 1920
Highlights and features
- We offer century-old expertise in studio pottery traditions
- Our team includes internationally trained master potters
- We provide access to historic working kilns and techniques
- We maintain rigorous quality standards in ceramic production
- Our educational programs cater to all skill levels
Associations and certifications
- ACE Museum Accreditation Scheme
Services
Pottery Courses
We offer comprehensive pottery courses for all skill levels, from beginner sessions to advanced training. Our programs teach traditional techniques developed by Bernard Leach while incorporating contemporary practices. Participants work with experienced instructors in our historic studio environment.
Museum Visits
Our museum showcases the evolution of British studio pottery through permanent collections and temporary exhibitions. Visitors explore historic kilns, archival materials, and significant ceramic works. Guided tours provide insights into our East/West artistic philosophy.
Exhibitions
We host curated exhibitions featuring both historical and contemporary ceramic works. Our galleries showcase pieces from our permanent collection alongside visiting artists' contemporary interpretations. Exhibitions often include accompanying lectures and workshops.
Standard Ware Production
Our studio continues producing Leach Standard Ware using traditional methods. These functional pieces embody our design principles and technical excellence. Each item combines practicality with artistic integrity through handcrafted processes.
Artist Collaborations
We facilitate residencies and collaborative projects with contemporary ceramic artists. These partnerships explore innovative techniques while maintaining our core philosophies. The program supports artistic development through access to our facilities and expertise.
People
Bernard Leach
Founder
British potter and artist who established the Leach Pottery in 1920. He pioneered studio pottery in Britain through East/West cultural exchange. His influential writings and teachings shaped modern ceramic practices globally.
Janet Leach
Former Director
Potter and educator who managed the Leach Pottery after Bernard Leach's death. She maintained its artistic standards until passing stewardship to the Trust. Her work continued the pottery's traditional and contemporary balance.
Shoji Hamada
Co-founder
Japanese potter who co-founded the Leach Pottery with Bernard Leach. His technical expertise and cultural knowledge significantly influenced British studio pottery traditions through their collaborative work.
Questions
What is the Leach Pottery's historical significance?
We are considered the birthplace of British studio pottery, founded in 1920 by Bernard Leach and Shoji Hamada. Our work established studio pottery as a respected art form combining Eastern and Western traditions.
Can visitors participate in pottery activities?
Yes, we offer courses and workshops for all skill levels. Our Potters Corner allows visitors to experience hands-on clay work during museum visits.
Are there exhibitions available to the public?
We host regular exhibitions featuring both historical collections and contemporary ceramic works. These include guided tours and artist talks throughout the year.
How can I access the museum collections?
Our museum is open to the public with curated displays and special exhibitions. Researchers can access archives and documentation about British studio pottery history by appointment.
What facilities are available for educational groups?
We provide tailored programs for schools and community groups. These include workshops, kiln demonstrations, and guided tours focusing on our pottery traditions and techniques.
Reviews (7)
Linda Jenner
Nov 06, 2021
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For anyone that likes studio pottery, this is the place to go. Bernard Leach must be the most renowned potter and it's fascinating to do the museum tour and see how things were done in his heyday. The shop has… some beautiful pottery by various potters and I have visited several times but I never come away without purchasing something.
Jo Whalley
Jul 12, 2021
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Interesting place to visit, earthy toned pottery which is synonymous with Leach, all a little too pricey. Carpark not huge so pick your time to visit.
Ashley Humphreys
Jun 11, 2021
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Only went in the shop area but it's huge! Lots of selection and stunning options to purchase and support artists. Hope to go back for the museum another time. Highly recommend. (It's up a big hill!)
Alan Sheldon
May 28, 2021
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Only the shop opened when I visited in early May but great ambience and fabulous items for a peruse. Prices are good and I bought a mug and a bowl. Classic Leach. I loved it.
Richard Barrett
Nov 04, 2020
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Had a lovely tour of The Leach Pottery this morning. The place had a real sense of Nostalgia and an older St.Ives almost forgotten. It was nice to see modern potters still working there today. Well worth a… visit. Most visitors might drive by, but it's only a short walk up the Stennack and great value for the magnitude of the history there + an awesome shop with some nice production pieces 👍
Steve Rovira
Sep 14, 2020
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Although we were unable to gain access to the tours we were able to view the remarkable designer pottery available in the shop, they have some excellent pieces, worth a visit, but best to book for the tour.
Michael Moody
Aug 24, 2020
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I could have spent a lot more money but had to restrain myself. Several gallery spaces and a museum to peruse and friendly staff. Will definitely need to make return trip.
