A Humble Legacy

Upon the centennial of the founding of Leach Pottery, the Craft in America Center is pleased to present two exhibitions celebrating the cup as object and the impact of Bernard Leach on studio ceramics. The other exhibition, Here/Now: Contemporary Narrative and Form in the Yunomi, will be on view through September 19 as well.

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.