ST. IVES, UK.-The internationally renowned Leach Pottery, in St Ives, Cornwall reopened its doors on 6 March following a £1.7 million transformation. It is set to become an international centre of excellence celebrating the life and influence of its creator Bernard Leach. The new ceramic training and business facilities, education resources and a showcase gallery secures a legacy for the pottery in a modern setting.

Bernard Leach, was one of the great figures of 20th Century art, playing a pioneering role in developing ceramics in Britain and around the world. He trained as an artist in London and then as a potter in Japan where he became fascinated by the two very different cultures. The establishment of the Leach Pottery in 1920 led to the development of his reputation as a key pioneering figure in the ceramics world.

Collaborating with a young Japanese potter, Shoji Hamada, Leach built the first oriental climbing kiln in the West. For over 50 years Leach taught, wrote and trained other potters, combining Japanese and European aesthetics through his work. Today, many international links are still in existence between Leach Pottery and Japan in particular.

A partnership between the pottery and University College Falmouth, will enable students to work alongside established craftspeople to develop their techniques. There will also be mentoring for business start-ups and studio space for emerging talent. The Pottery has scored a significant coup in attracting Jack Doherty, the chairman of the Craft Potters Association of Great Britain and the organising committee of Ceramic Art London, as its new lead potter.

The transformation has been funded by, amongst others, Arts Council England South West, the Heritage Lottery Fund, the European Regional Development Fund, the Rural Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Partnership, Penwith District Council, Cornwall County Council and St. Ives Town Council and trusts and foundations, membership subscriptions and by the local Leach Pottery Support Group and it is expected that the rejuvenated pottery and visitor attraction will host up 30,000 visitors per year. Local people from St Ives and surrounding towns and villages have also been deeply involved in bringing the Pottery back to its former glory, and working as volunteers to help run the new centre.

Nick Capaldi, Executive Director of Arts Council England, South West said ‘The work of Bernard Leach and the Leach Pottery were an essential part of creative life in Cornwall. Bernard Leach also played a seminal role in shaping the future of contemporary ceramics. We are delighted to have supported this important refurbishment project, ensuring that the pottery can continue to inspire new generations of makers.’

Chairman of the Bernard Leach (St Ives) Trust Limited, Lady Carol Holland says, ‘The local and international influence and stature of Bernard Leach is undeniable. He was a man who, through his life, his work and his writings, has made a unique contribution to our cultural heritage, to the development of the art of ceramics and to the careers of many potters. He had high standards and was sometimes a tough judge, but I hope that, if he could see it, this living and working commemoration to all that he stood for would meet with his approval. 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.’