John Leach pottery in Cornwall exhibition at St Ives

The eldest grandson of Bernard Leach – described as the trailblazing father of British studio pottery – John trained under his grandfather in the early 1960s.

Six decades later some of his finest pottery can be viewed in this first ever solo show at the Pottery.

'John Leach: 65 Years A Potter' provides a chance to see and purchase from a selection of more than 70 personal pieces that John has kept over the years, as well as 25 examples of the iconic kitchenware produced at his own pottery in Somerset.

John trained under the watchful eye of his grandfather in the early 1960s.

John said: "It was a privilege to work with my grandfather, Bernard, at the Leach Pottery between 1960 and 1963.

"I am delighted to return with a retrospective exhibition of my work spanning 65 years."

His early training was a five-year fusion, working with his father, David Leach at Lowerdown Pottery, Colin Pearson at Aylesford Pottery and Ray Finch at Winchcombe Pottery, before learning his craft in Cornwall alongside Bernard.

In 1964, he established the Muchelney Pottery in Somerset where he went on to develop and produce his own range of cooking pots, serving dishes and dining ware, using local clay and wood to fuel the kiln.

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With sustainability and nature in mind, John even established a woodland in the mid-1980s which he nurtures to this day.

Being born at the Leach Pottery in 1939, and being an ardent supporter of its survival, it is fitting that the centre is hosting this special exhibition as part of the Pottery’s centennial celebrations. Established in 1920 by Bernard Leach, the Pottery has throughout its history trained, supported, and brought together potters from around the world.

Libby Buckley, Leach Pottery Director, said: "John has always been a massive supporter of the Leach Pottery, from the early days of saving the site and setting up the Museum to taking an active interest in our potters in today’s Studio.

"It is such a pleasure to invite John back to the Leach Pottery to be part of our centenary celebrations after so many years of his own practice.

"To be able to exhibit John’s pots here, not only where he was born but also where he trained with his grandfather, is just a small token of our appreciation for his huge contribution to the craft.

The exhibition will take place at Leach Pottery in St Ives, Cornwall

"It is also a fitting continuation of the transfer of skills, spirit and ethos, that travels down through generations of Leach potters here and around the world."

‘John Leach: 65 Years A Potter’ runs until September 26, 2021 at The Leach Pottery, Higher Stennack, St Ives, Cornwall.

The exhibition is open in the Entrance Gallery on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays in August and Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays from September onwards.

The exhibition is free-of-charge or visitors can view it as part of a museum visit which can be pre-booked at: leachpottery.com/museum-visits-tours