Bernard Leach is, without a doubt, the best known and most prominent of British studio potters.
Born in Hong Kong, he was taken almost immediately to Japan by his grandparents.
He came to England at the age of ten for schooling.
In 1909 he returned to Japan to teach etching which he had himself learnt from Frank Brangwyn.
After ten years of life in the East – both Japan and China – he met Hamada.
The following year they both came to England and set up the Leach Pottery at St Ives.
The years between the wars were hard for Leach; he spent much time re-building kilns, experimenting with materials, travelling – but not achieving much critical or financial success.
It was not until after the Second World War, and the publication of his first book, A Potters' Book, that he became widely recognised as a master in his field.
He continued to pot until 1972, but did not stop his ceaseless travelling.
The Victoria and Albert Museum in London held an exhibition – The Art of Bernard Leach – in 1977, and in 1979 he died.
Hey Simon, I think you both have a similar head movement when you throw. Thats pretty neat.
Thanks for posting this. I hope to see more
lewee: I was thinking that exact same thing. It must be hereditary or something. 🙂
It really was a beautiful pot. I hope it is put away somewhere safe, perhaps in the Leach Museum.
what is the music in this video?
@Lisanab No its a speed-eye technique. I practice martial arts, and practice using my eyes by focusing fast object and reacting goodly. His eyes are scanning the fast movements of the clay, to see if there is one line out of place. Its a crazy technique!!
I think Hans Coper is up there and might surpass him as to originality.
(!!!) Thanks!
Sublime. A wonderful artist with words of pure wisdom. Reading him at the moment , A Potter’s Book. So glad I am able to see him work, if only on the screen.
Watching this video helped me understand the craft.
Awesome.
Lovely edit.
A true master potter.
Try as I can I can never tric my head like ol Bernard.
Lovely to watch the Master at work.