The Leach Pottery 1920-2008

The Leach Pottery in St Ives, established by Bernard Leach and Shoji Hamada in 1920. One of the great figures of 20th century art, Leach played a crucial pioneering role in creating an identity for artist potters in Britain and around the world.

In March 2008, a £1.7 million capital project was completed, giving new life to the Leach Pottery and enabling it to set up in production and open its doors to the public once again.

This famous pottery re-opens to the public on Saturday 8th March 2008, after extensive restoration and extension. Founded by the potter and teacher Bernard Leach and his Japanese colleague Shojij Hamada in 1920, the Leach Pottery has been a training ground and centre of excellence for studio potters for more than 80 years.
The newly restored pottery will enable visitors to experience some of the atmosphere that inspired over 100 trainee potters to go out and set up their own pottery businesses all over the world. In addition to the Old Workshop and Kiln Shed, the site includes a new museum, a shop and a contemporary selling gallery with changing exhibitions. New workshops and kilns will enable the pottery to continue to be a place where work is made and young potters are trained. There is a charge for entry to the original workshop and the museum. Please note there is no on-site parking except for pre-booked disabled visitors.
OPEN: March to October, Monday to Saturday 10am - 5pm, Sunday 11am - 4pm; November to February 11am to 4pm