Bernard Leach

Bernard Leach CBE, CH (1887–1979) is widely regarded as the father of the British studio pottery movement. Through the establishment of the Leach Pottery in St Ives, he played a pivotal role in shaping 20th-century ceramics, creating a place of learning where generations of potters were trained in an approach that valued craftsmanship, function, and integrity of materials. His influence extended far beyond Britain, shaping studio pottery practice internationally, and was deeply informed by his close friendship and collaboration with the Japanese potter Shōji Hamada.

Leach’s long association with Japan, where he lived and worked, was central to his philosophy, helping to bridge Eastern and Western ceramic traditions and establishing a lasting cultural exchange that defined his work and teaching. Today, Leach’s work is highly sought after, recognised not only for its aesthetic quality but for its lasting cultural and historical significance.