John Leach: 65 Years A Potter

Exhibition: 17 July - 26 September 2021, Entrance Gallery

The Leach Pottery presents its first solo exhibition of John Leach who trained at the Leach Pottery from 1960-63. John, David Leach’s eldest son and Bernard Leach’s eldest grandson, was born at the Leach Pottery in 1939, returning in the early 1960s to train under Bernard’s watchful eye.

Today, John’s Muchelney Pottery production focusses on wood-firing, where careful stoking coaxes the kiln to reach temperatures as high as 1320°c, creating surfaces with subtle flashing and warmth. The Muchelney kitchenware range is as iconic as John’s strong and direct personal pieces: both of which are represented in this exhibition.

‘John Leach: 65 Years A Potter’ provides the rare chance to see and purchase from a selection of over 70 personal pots that have been kept aside, by John, over the years. Alongside these personal pieces are 25 examples of Muchelney kitchenware that have been selected for their extra-special qualities.

John’s early training was a five-year fusion, working with David Leach at Lowerdown Pottery, Colin Pearson at Aylesford Pottery, Ray Finch at Winchcombe Pottery, and then with Bernard Leach. This was followed by 6 months in California setting up a pottery for an Art School.

In 1964, John settled in Somerset establishing his own pottery on the edge of Muchelney. Here, he went on to develop and produce a range of kitchenware using local clay and wood to fuel the kiln. With sustainability and nature in mind, John even established a woodland in the mid-1980s which he nurtures to this day.

Being born at the Leach Pottery in 1939, training with the Pottery from 1960-63, and being an ardent supporter of its survival, it is fitting to host ‘John Leach: 65 Years A Potter’ as part of the Leach Pottery’s centennial celebrations. Established in 1920 by Bernard Leach, the Leach Pottery has throughout its history trained, supported, and brought together potters from around the world.

All works for sale

Visiting the Exhibition

The exhibition can be viewed on the days that the Museum is currently open: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday. You are welcome to see the exhibition free-of-charge, or you can see it as part of a Museum Visit. If you are dropping in to view the exhibition only, there is a small possibility that you may have to wait, before you enter the space, during busy periods.