Upon the centennial of the founding of Leach Pottery, the Craft in America Center is pleased to present an exhibition celebrating the cup as object and the impact of Bernard Leach on studio ceramics.
During the closure of the Craft in America Center, we invite you to explore our virtual exhibition, browse the digital catalog, and look through the image gallery below.
A Humble Legacy is an exhibition of approximately two dozen historic and contemporary cups made by a selection of artists affiliated with Leach Pottery and others who continue in its legacy. Master potters Bernard Leach and Shoji Hamada established St. Ives Pottery (Leach Pottery) in Cornwall, England in 1920, and their impact on 20th century ceramics cannot be overstated. Leach’s conception of the artist-potter and his advocacy for studio pottery in England came at a time when industrially-produced ceramics were dominant. His role in communicating Eastern ceramic tradition to the West, had a ripple effect on the global history of contemporary studio ceramics. The utilitarian cups featured in this exhibition speak to Leach’s ideology and outlook. This international exhibition is organized in consultation with former Leach apprentice, Jeff Oestreich, who worked at the pottery from 1969-1971.
For questions and more information about this exhibition or to set-up a virtual walkthrough, please contact us at center@craftinamerica.org
Virtual Exhibition:
Click and drag, or use your arrow keys, to see a 360º view of the virtual space, including tags with object information and images.
Click on the catalog to view full screen and zoom options
Craft Capsules Playlist:
Craft in America has paired these short videos of the artworks with audio testimonials of the artists’ statements. Click on the button in the top right to view the entire playlist.
David Leach, Untitled Tea Cup, c. 1980. Collection American Museum of Ceramic Art, gift of Bill Burke [2009.2.124]Shigeyoshi Ichino, Yunomi, 1971. Collection of John BeddingShimaoka Tatsuzō, Yunomi, 1975. Collection of Jeff OestreichShimaoka Tatsuzō, Yunomi, c. 1980s. Collection of Nate SaundersKenneth Quick, Yunomi, 1960. Collection of Jeff Oestreich.William Marshall, Yunomi, 1970. Collection of Jeff Oestreich.John Reeve, Yunomi, 1976.Warren MacKenzie, Yunomi, n.d. Collection of Will Swanson & Janel JacobsonWarren MacKenzie, Grey & Kaki Yunomi, 2012. Collection of Nate SaundersWarren MacKenzie, Yunomi, n.d. Collection of Will Swanson & Janel JacobsonShoji Hamada, Sugar Cane Brushwork Yunomi, 1959. Collection of Nate SaundersShoji Hamada, Sugar Cane Brushwork Yunomi, 1959. Collection of Nate Saunders
Leach Pottery’s Legacy:
Roelof Uys, Yunomi, 2020Kat Wheeler, Yunomi, 2020Pat Burns, Yunomi, 2020Andy Balmer, Yunomi, 2020Carson Culp, Yunomi, c. 2019. Collection of Jeff OestreichJanel Jacobson, Untitled, 2020Will Swanson, Faceted Cup, 2020Linda Christianson, Yunomi, 2020Jan McKreachie Johnston, Yunomi, 2020Randy Johnston, Yunomi, 2020Jim Malone, Yunomi, 1995. Collection of Jeff OestreichPhil Rogers, Yunomi, n.d.Guillermo Cuellar, Yunomi, 2020John Bedding, Yunomi, 2020Jeff Oestreich, Yunomi, c. 2015
A History in Pictures:
Leach Pottery. Courtesy of Clary Illian.L-R: Michael Cardew, William Marshall, Bernard Leach. Taken while picnicking at Cardew’s pottery, 1970. Courtesy of Jeff Oestreich.Shoji Hamada & Bernard LeachLeach Pottery potters. Courtesy of Clary Illian.Bernard Leach and his companion Trudi Scott, 1978, taken by Audreanna Oestreich. Courtesy of Jeff Oestreich.Dinner at Bernard Leach’s home (l-r): Shigeyoshi Ichino, Bernard Leach, Jeff Oestreich, 1970. Courtesy of Jeff Oestreich.Book signing of Leach’s last book, his autobiography, 1971 (l-r): Bernard Leach, Janet Leach, Jeff Oestreich. Courtesy of Jeff OestreichPotter’s Wheel at Leach PotteryJeff Oestreich at the potter’s wheel at Leach Pottery, 1970. Courtesy of Jeff Oestreich.Pat Burns, Kat Wheeler and Jeff Oestreich firing the soda kiln at the Leach Pottery. Courtesy of Matthew TyasGuillermo Cuellar interpreting for Warren MacKenzie at a workshop in Venezuela, 1981. Courtesy of Guillermo CuellarGuillermo Cuellar & Warren MacKenzie post-firing in Stillwater, MN. Courtesy of Guillermo CuellarWarren MacKenzie & Guillermo Cuellar inspect the results of a firing, 2015. Courtesy of Guillermo CuellarJeff Oestreich, Guillermo Cuellar, and potters from both Leach Pottery and the St. Croix Valley share a meal together during a tour of the Minnesota pottery, 2012. Courtesy of Guillermo CuellarWarren MacKenzie. 2010Guillermo Cuellar, Clary Illian, & Mason Hiatt pose in front of Shoji Hamada’s studio museum in Mashiko, Japan, 2016. Courtesy of Guillermo CuellarShoji Hamada discusses a pot with Bernard Leach
This exhibition is made possible in part by a grant from the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs.
This exhibition is supported in part by the California Arts Council, a state agency. Learn more at www.arts.ca.gov
button in the top right to view the entire playlist.
