The Leach Gallery

The Leach Pottery symbol has been beautifully etched into the glass of the door of the gallery entrance. The pots inside were made by a number of potters - some students of Jack Doherty and some by outside potters. There was also a lovely collection of Bernard's work.

Some of the Tutor's and His Student's Work

Jack"s work was lovely and his students, who came from many parts of the world, were doing very good work as well. Look carefully as there are some very nice pots there.

Fireplace with Bernard Holding Court

David has just sent me this image of Bernard holding court which he copied from some information graphics at the Leach Pottery. I wonder when it was taken? Bill Marshall is there but I do not recognise the two ladies. The other photo is of Jack Doherty the currant tutor at the Leach Pottery. He and his students, whom come from many parts of the world, seem to be producing some good work.

The Old Fireplace

David insisted that he take my photograph by the old fireplace at the Leach Pottery. This is where Bernard used to discuss aesthetics and workshop practices with his workers while having morning tea. The sign for the Leach Gallery has the lettering carved into a large slab of wood and replicates the original sign for the Leach Pottery.

The Old Kilns at the Leach Pottery

I wonder when these kilns were last fired? Janet really crowded the space when she added her two kilns but I suppose there was nowhere else. Certainly the new additions of workshop and gallery space seem luxurious compared with the original areas.

The Leach Pottery Workshop

It was interesting to see the actual size of the workshop although Bernard had his own space as well. Interesting also was to see one of the original Leach kick wheels. You may remember I showed a photograph of the New Zealand Seaboard Joinery version when I visited Robert Compton in Vermont.

St Ives and the Leach Pottery

I loved the narrow streets and lanes in St Ives but I would hate to try and drive a car there. The old buildings at the Leach Pottery have been restored and a new complex has been built which houses the new workshop and display area. They have done a splendid job and I had a really worthwhile visit. After all, it is from there that many of the older potters learned their craft through Bernard's writings and teachings.

Two Items by Bernard Leach

The Christmas Card by Bernard was framed and hung in John's house and the pot was among several by Bernard. There was a similar piece in the exhibition of Bernard's work shown in Japan in 1980. I really enjoyed my stay in John's house.

Lucky Us

We were so lucky that David was able to borrow John Bedding's house for our stay in St Ives. Unfortunately John was away and I was unable to meet him but to stay in his house was a wonderful experience. There were so many Bernard Leach pots and other artefacts as well as collections of other works. I had seen a picture of a similar set of tiles by Bernard but to see the real thing was something special. The picture of John's home was taken from his outside terrace which was not large but had interesting plantings and space to relax.

Cornwall, A Potter's Mecca

We passed several tin mines on the way to St Ives but did not get close enough to take a photograph. This one is from David. We used both tin and Cornish stone in our glazes when we were doing domestic wares and, although this shop in St Ives is a jewellers shop, I could not resist making the connection to the minerals we used to use.

Svend and David

A picture of David and Svend in his gallery. David has reminded me that Svend did have an hydraulic wood-splitter and I wonder why I did not take a photograph of it. I am still interested in wood-splitters even though I no longer have need of one. The one we had was a spiral cone driven by the power take-off of the tractor. It was hard work and highly dangerous. I had two accidents and gave the thing away as scrap rather than risk a third accident. We do not have thatched houses in New Zealand so these lovely ones like Svends are fascinating to me.

A Lovely Stack of Split Wood

Svend's pottery was very tidy and organised as is evidenced by this wonderful stack of split wood stacked under cover ready for his next firing. He also had large quantities of logs cut to length but still awaiting splitting. The wood is very brown and I forgot to ask what sort it was nor did I see a wood-splitter but, no doubt, he must have had one. The other picture is of part of Svend's display gallery.

New Anagama Kiln

This magnificent new kiln of Svends is patterned after SE Asian type kilns. It will be interesting to see how it might change his work. At the end of the see-through picture is a glimpse of Svend's wood-stack.

Domestic Wares by Svend.

Svend's domestic wares were distinctive and lovely. Again I wished I could have purchased some and been able to get them home to New Zealand. His bowls, platters and tea pots were all very practical with unusual colours and textures. Very individual and competent potting.

Some of Svend's Large Pots

Svend's large pots looked magnificent in his outdoor display. His smaller domestic wares were in his display room which I will show later. Having a large kiln and good techniques makes it tempting to make many large pieces. Unfortunately I have found they are not always easy to sell.