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Leach Pottery

Leach Pottery, Ceramics
St Ives, Cornwall, UK
The Leach Pottery makes a range of ‘Standard Ware’ pieces for use in the kitchen and dining room — a timeless range collected across the land and loved for its simplicity, sturdiness and the rustic quality of its clay and glaze combinations. Plates, mugs, tea bowls, mixing bowls and vases are amongst these perennially popular pieces.
The Leach Pottery was founded in 1920 by Bernard Leach and Shoji Hamada in the picturesque town of St Ives, Cornwall, and is now one of the most influential potteries in the world. For the past one hundred years, people from all across the globe — potters, students and apprentices alike — have come to the Leach Pottery to train. 


Upon returning to England from Japan, Leach and Hamada established the pottery with a Japanese climbing kiln, focusing on functionalism — blending Mingei (Japanese folk art) with 17th century English slipware traditions. This evolved into the birth of ‘Standard Ware’ — their range of durable, hand-thrown functional items such as mugs, bowls and vases that became iconic, selling worldwide in the decades since.
After Leach’s death, the studio passed down through the family until it ultimately fell into disrepair. In 2005, the site was bought at an auction, restored, and reopened in 2008 as a museum, gallery and active studio — ensuring the legacy of Leach Pottery lives on.
Each piece in the standard Ware range is hand thrown on a wheel, before being left to dry to leather hard. At this stage the pieces are trimmed and finished, handles are added where necessary, and then they are left to dry fully before being stacked in the kiln for their first ‘bisque’ firing. Once bisque fired, Glaze is applied and the pieces undergo a second firing to finish.

Further Information

The Leach Pottery Clay

The Leach Pottery uses local stoneware clay sourced from Doble’s clay pit in St Agnes, Cornwall, for its standard ware production. This clay has a high iron content which gives the raw clay and unglazed areas a rich, warm, toasted, or reddish-rust colour when fired. This kind of clay reacts dramatically in reduction atmospheres (where oxygen is withheld during firing), creating deep, varied, and unpredictable visual effects in both the body and the glaze, giving the Leach Standardware range its unique qualities.

Glazes

The Leach Standardware range is available in Dolomite, Ash and Tenmoku glazes. Glaze recipes are calculated to mature at the same temperature as the clay. ‘Reduction firing’ produces rich visual effects and is achieved by withholding oxygen at an advanced stage of the firing, thereby causing the flame to seek out oxygen from the clay and the glaze.

Further Reading

A small coffee mug with tapered sides, bevelled edges and Leach Pottery mark, hand-thrown from St Agnes clay at The Leach Pottery in St Ives, Cornwall, with ash glaze, and broad, hand-pulled handle. Standing approximately 8cm high, the tapered shape helps to keep your drink warm for longer. In 1920 ..
£25.00
Ex Tax:£20.83
A small coffee mug with tapered sides, bevelled edges and Leach Pottery mark, hand-thrown from St Agnes clay at The Leach Pottery in St Ives, Cornwall, with dolomite glaze and broad, hand-pulled handle. Standing approximately 8cm high, the tapered shape helps to keep it warm for longer. In 1920 Bern..
£25.00
Ex Tax:£20.83
A small coffee mug with tapered sides, bevelled edges and Leach Pottery mark, hand-thrown from St Agnes clay at The Leach Pottery in St Ives, Cornwall, with tenmoku glaze, and broad, hand-pulled handle. Standing approximately 8cm high, the tapered shape helps to keep it warm for longer. In 1920 Bern..
£25.00
Ex Tax:£20.83
A thick-walled small jug, hand-thrown from St Agnes clay at The Leach Pottery in St Ives, Cornwall, with ash glaze, and broad, hand-pulled handle. In 1920 Bernard Leach returned from 11 years in Japan to found (with Hamada Shōji) a Pottery in St Ives. Inspired by the ideals of the Mingei folk art mo..
£39.50
Ex Tax:£32.92
A thick-walled small jug, hand-thrown from St Agnes clay at The Leach Pottery in St Ives, Cornwall, with dolomite glaze, and broad, hand-pulled handle. Approximately 10cm high. In 1920 Bernard Leach returned from 11 years in Japan to found (with Hamada Shōji) a Pottery in St Ives. Inspired by the id..
£39.50
Ex Tax:£32.92
A thick-walled small jug, hand-thrown from St Agnes clay at The Leach Pottery in St Ives, Cornwall, with tenmoku glaze, and broad, hand-pulled handle.In 1920 Bernard Leach returned from 11 years in Japan to found (with Hamada Shōji) a Pottery in St Ives. Inspired by the ideals of the Mingei folk art..
£39.50
Ex Tax:£32.92
A small pourer, for serving small amounts of milk, with bevelled base and Leach Pottery mark, hand-thrown from St Agnes clay at The Leach Pottery in St Ives, Cornwall, with tenmoku glaze. In 1920 Bernard Leach returned from 11 years in Japan to found (with Hamada Shōji) a Pottery in St Ives. Inspire..
£16.00
Ex Tax:£13.33
A generously proportioned, solid dinner plate with Leach Pottery mark, hand-thrown from St Agnes clay at The Leach Pottery in St Ives, Cornwall, and glazed in ash. In 1920 Bernard Leach returned from 11 years in Japan to found (with Hamada Shōji) a Pottery in St Ives. Inspired by the ideals of the M..
£45.00
Ex Tax:£37.50
A generously proportioned (27cm), solid dinner plate with Leach Pottery mark, hand-thrown from St Agnes clay at The Leach Pottery in St Ives, Cornwall, and glazed in dolomite. In 1920 Bernard Leach returned from 11 years in Japan to found (with Hamada Shōji) a Pottery in St Ives. Inspired by the ide..
£45.00
Ex Tax:£37.50
A generously proportioned, solid dinner plate with Leach Pottery mark, hand-thrown from St Agnes clay at The Leach Pottery in St Ives, Cornwall, and glazed in tenmoku. In 1920 Bernard Leach returned from 11 years in Japan to found (with Hamada Shōji) a Pottery in St Ives. Inspired by the ideals of t..
£45.00
Ex Tax:£37.50
A rustic, solid side plate with Leach Pottery mark, hand-thrown from St Agnes clay at The Leach Pottery in St Ives, Cornwall, and glazed in tenmoku. 20cm in diameter, this plate is suitable for small meals or as a side plate. In 1920 Bernard Leach returned from 11 years in Japan to found (with Hamad..
£25.00
Ex Tax:£20.83
A rustic, solid bowl with Leach Pottery mark, hand-thrown from St Agnes clay at The Leach Pottery in St Ives, Cornwall, and glazed in ash. 22.5cm in diameter and 9.5cm high, this bowl is suitable for serving soup, stew or snacks, or for food preparation. In 1920 Bernard Leach returned from 11 years ..
£62.00
Ex Tax:£51.67
A rustic, solid bowl with Leach Pottery mark, hand-thrown from St Agnes clay at The Leach Pottery in St Ives, Cornwall, and glazed in tenmoku. 22.5cm in diameter and 9.5cm high, this bowl is suitable for serving soup, stew or snacks. In 1920 Bernard Leach returned from 11 years in Japan to found (wi..
£62.00
Ex Tax:£51.67
A rustic, solid bowl with Leach Pottery mark, hand-thrown from St Agnes clay at The Leach Pottery in St Ives, Cornwall, and glazed in ash. 12.5cm in diameter and 5cm high, this bowl is suitable for small portions of soup, or muesli, or for serving dips and sauces. In 1920 Bernard Leach returned from..
£19.50
Ex Tax:£16.25
A rustic, solid bowl with Leach Pottery mark, hand-thrown from St Agnes clay at The Leach Pottery in St Ives, Cornwall, and glazed in tenmoku. 12.5cm in diameter and 5cm high, this bowl is suitable for small portions of soup, or muesli, or for serving dips and sauces. In 1920 Bernard Leach returned ..
£19.50
Ex Tax:£16.25
An ash glazed bud vase hand thrown at the Leach Pottery, St Ives, with bevelled rim and a roomy, bellied body, perfect for displaying a small cluster from the garden. In 1920 Bernard Leach returned from 11 years in Japan to found (with Hamada Shōji) a Pottery in St Ives. Inspired by the ideals of th..
£42.00
Ex Tax:£35.00
A generously proportioned mug with tapered sides, bevelled edges and Leach Pottery mark, hand-thrown from St Agnes clay at The Leach Pottery in St Ives, Cornwall, with ash glaze, and broad, hand-pulled handle. Standing approximately 9.5cm high, the size affords a generous cuppa, whilst the tapered s..
£32.00
Ex Tax:£26.67
A generously proportioned mug with tapered sides, bevelled edges and Leach Pottery mark, hand-thrown from St Agnes clay at The Leach Pottery in St Ives, Cornwall, with dolomite glaze, and broad, hand-pulled handle. Standing approximately 9.5cm high, the size affords a generous cuppa, whilst the tape..
£32.00
Ex Tax:£26.67
A generously proportioned mug with tapered sides, bevelled edges and Leach Pottery mark, hand-thrown from St Agnes clay at The Leach Pottery in St Ives, Cornwall, with tenmoku glaze, and broad, hand-pulled handle. Standing approximately 9.5cm high, the size affords a generous cuppa, whilst the taper..
£32.00
Ex Tax:£26.67
A hand-thrown, simply formed stoneware egg cup, with a reduction fired Ash glaze creating a naturally speckled green. In 1920 Bernard Leach returned from 11 years in Japan to found (with Hamada Shōji) a Pottery in St Ives. Inspired by the ideals of the Mingei folk art movement and what he had learne..
£10.50
Ex Tax:£8.75
A hand-thrown, simply formed stoneware egg cup, with a reduction fired Dolomite glaze resulting in a gently speckled natural white surface. In 1920 Bernard Leach returned from 11 years in Japan to found (with Hamada Shōji) a Pottery in St Ives. Inspired by the ideals of the Mingei folk art movement ..
£10.50
Ex Tax:£8.75
A hand-thrown, simply formed stoneware egg cup, with a reduction fired Shino glaze resulting in a beautiful rust coloured sheen. In 1920 Bernard Leach returned from 11 years in Japan to found (with Hamada Shōji) a Pottery in St Ives. Inspired by the ideals of the Mingei folk art movement and what he..
£10.50
Ex Tax:£8.75
A stoneware lidded honey pot, hand-thrown from St Agnes clay at The Leach Pottery in St Ives, Cornwall, with dolomite glaze. Standing approximately 7cm high and 7cm in diameter. Useful for storing sugar and salt too. In 1920 Bernard Leach returned from 11 years in Japan to found (with Hamada Shōji) ..
£32.00
Ex Tax:£26.67
A thick-walled table jug, hand-thrown from St Agnes clay at The Leach Pottery in St Ives, Cornwall, with ash glaze, and broad, hand-pulled handle. In 1920 Bernard Leach returned from 11 years in Japan to found (with Hamada Shōji) a Pottery in St Ives. Inspired by the ideals of the Mingei folk art mo..
£87.50
Ex Tax:£72.92
A thick-walled table jug, hand-thrown from St Agnes clay at The Leach Pottery in St Ives, Cornwall, with dolomite glaze, and broad, hand-pulled handle. In 1920 Bernard Leach returned from 11 years in Japan to found (with Hamada Shōji) a Pottery in St Ives. Inspired by the ideals of the Mingei folk a..
£87.50
Ex Tax:£72.92
A thick-walled table jug, hand-thrown from St Agnes clay at The Leach Pottery in St Ives, Cornwall, with tenmoku glaze, and broad, hand-pulled handle. In 1920 Bernard Leach returned from 11 years in Japan to found (with Hamada Shōji) a Pottery in St Ives. Inspired by the ideals of the Mingei folk ar..
£87.50
Ex Tax:£72.92
A thick-walled footed tea bowl, hand-thrown from St Agnes clay at The Leach Pottery in St Ives, Cornwall, with textured brushed green glaze. In 1920 Bernard Leach returned from 11 years in Japan to found (with Hamada Shōji) a Pottery in St Ives. Inspired by the ideals of the Mingei folk art movement..
£39.00
Ex Tax:£32.50
A thick-walled footed tea bowl, hand-thrown from St Agnes clay at The Leach Pottery in St Ives, Cornwall, with a beautiful pale Chun glaze. In 1920 Bernard Leach returned from 11 years in Japan to found (with Hamada Shōji) a Pottery in St Ives. Inspired by the ideals of the Mingei folk art movement ..
£39.00
Ex Tax:£32.50
A thick-walled footed tea bowl, hand-thrown from St Agnes clay at The Leach Pottery in St Ives, Cornwall, with red and white glaze. In 1920 Bernard Leach returned from 11 years in Japan to found (with Hamada Shōji) a Pottery in St Ives. Inspired by the ideals of the Mingei folk art movement and what..
£39.00
Ex Tax:£32.50
A thick-walled footed tea bowl, hand-thrown from St Agnes clay at The Leach Pottery in St Ives, Cornwall, with shino and dolomite glazes. In 1920 Bernard Leach returned from 11 years in Japan to found (with Hamada Shōji) a Pottery in St Ives. Inspired by the ideals of the Mingei folk art movement an..
£39.00
Ex Tax:£32.50
A new version of the Leach Pottery teapot, hand-thrown from St Agnes clay at The Leach Pottery in St Ives, Cornwall, with tenmoku glaze, and broad, hand-pulled handle. In 1920 Bernard Leach returned from 11 years in Japan to found (with Hamada Shōji) a Pottery in St Ives. Inspired by the ideals of t..
£115.00
Ex Tax:£95.83
A high-fired stoneware pestle & mortar, partially glazed in reduction fired white dolomite — the interior is left unglazed to provide the  perfect surface for grinding spices and crushing garlic and other ingredients. The mortar measures approximately 13.5cm x H 7cm, while the weighty ..
£74.00
Ex Tax:£61.67
A nesting set of three spouted mixing bowls in reduction fired white dolomite. Measuring approximately 5.5cm high by 12.5cm, 7cm by 17cm, and 9.5cm by 22.5cm. In 1920 Bernard Leach returned from 11 years in Japan to found (with Hamada Shōji) a Pottery in St Ives. Inspired by the ideals of the Mingei..
£108.00
Ex Tax:£90.00
A small pourer, for serving small amounts of milk, with bevelled base and Leach Pottery mark, hand-thrown from St Agnes clay at The Leach Pottery in St Ives, Cornwall, with ash glaze. In 1920 Bernard Leach returned from 11 years in Japan to found (with Hamada Shōji) a Pottery in St Ives. Inspired by..
£16.00
Ex Tax:£13.33
A small pourer, for serving small amounts of milk, with bevelled base and Leach Pottery mark, hand-thrown from St Agnes clay at The Leach Pottery in St Ives, Cornwall, with dolomite glaze. In 1920 Bernard Leach returned from 11 years in Japan to found (with Hamada Shōji) a Pottery in St Ives. Inspir..
£16.00
Ex Tax:£13.33
A set of three preparing bowls in reduction fired white dolomite (which can vary from matte white to glossy blue/grey). Measuring approximately 5.5cm high by 9.5cm, 8cm by 12cm, and 9cm by 16cm. In 1920 Bernard Leach returned from 11 years in Japan to found (with Hamada Shōji) a Pottery in St Ives. ..
£74.00
Ex Tax:£61.67
A rustic, solid side plate with Leach Pottery mark, hand-thrown from St Agnes clay at The Leach Pottery in St Ives, Cornwall, and glazed in ash. 20cm in diameter, this plate is suitable for small meals or as a side plate. In 1920 Bernard Leach returned from 11 years in Japan to found (with Hamada Sh..
£25.00
Ex Tax:£20.83
A rustic, solid side plate with Leach Pottery mark, hand-thrown from St Agnes clay at The Leach Pottery in St Ives, Cornwall, and glazed in dolomite. 20cm in diameter, this plate is suitable for small meals or as a side plate. In 1920 Bernard Leach returned from 11 years in Japan to found (with Hama..
£25.00
Ex Tax:£20.83
A large bowl made at the Leach Pottery in St Ives, with a creamy white Dolomite glaze. Made from stoneware clay, reduction fired. In 1920 Bernard Leach returned from 11 years in Japan to found (with Hamada Shōji) a Pottery in St Ives. Inspired by the ideals of the Mingei folk art movement and what h..
£62.00
Ex Tax:£51.67
A rustic, solid bowl with Leach Pottery mark, hand-thrown from St Agnes clay at The Leach Pottery in St Ives, Cornwall, and glazed in ash. 17cm in diameter and 7cm high, this bowl is suitable for larger portions of soup, stew or cereal. In 1920 Bernard Leach returned from 11 years in Japan to found ..
£32.50
Ex Tax:£27.08
A rustic, solid bowl with Leach Pottery mark, hand-thrown from St Agnes clay at The Leach Pottery in St Ives, Cornwall, and glazed in dolomite. 17cm in diameter and 7cm high, this bowl is suitable for larger portions of soup, stew or cereal. In 1920 Bernard Leach returned from 11 years in Japan to f..
£32.50
Ex Tax:£27.08
A rustic, solid bowl with Leach Pottery mark, hand-thrown from St Agnes clay at The Leach Pottery in St Ives, Cornwall, and glazed in tenmoku. 17cm in diameter and 7cm high, this bowl is suitable for larger portions of soup, stew or cereal. In 1920 Bernard Leach returned from 11 years in Japan to fo..
£32.50
Ex Tax:£27.08
A rustic, solid bowl with Leach Pottery mark, hand-thrown from St Agnes clay at The Leach Pottery in St Ives, Cornwall, and glazed in dolomite. 12.5cm in diameter and 5cm high, this bowl is suitable for small portions of soup, or muesli, or for serving dips and sauces. In 1920 Bernard Leach returned..
£19.50
Ex Tax:£16.25
A generously hand-thrown ramekin, for the making of individual portions, or serving snacks or dips. Glazed in a soft white Dolomite, and reduction fired. In 1920 Bernard Leach returned from 11 years in Japan to found (with Hamada Shōji) a Pottery in St Ives. Inspired by the ideals of the Mingei folk..
£14.00
Ex Tax:£11.67
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