Widely considered the most important and influential artist-potter of the 20th century, Bernard Leach pioneered the revival of the English studio pottery movement, setting up the the Leach Pottery in St.Ives, with the help of his friend Shoji Hamada, in 1920. The Leach Pottery is considered by many to be the birthplace of British studio pottery.
Having trained in Japan under the master potter Kenzan, Bernard brought to the pottery a heady mixture of idealism, aesthetics and a radical workshop concept. Over 60 years the pottery has had many apprentices, including Michael Cardew, Katherine Pleydell-Bouverie, Norah Braden, Kenneth Quick, William Marshall…to name a few.
Bernard Leach was a major figure in the arts and crafts. His work can be found in most museums and private collections throughout the world.