Bernard Leach (potter)

Bernard Leach (1887–1979) was a renowned British potter and artist who played a key role in bridging Eastern and Western ceramic traditions. Influenced by Japanese techniques, he emphasized craftsmanship, simplicity, and functional beauty in pottery. Leach co-founded the Leach Pottery in Cornwall, inspiring a renewed interest in handcrafted ceramics. His work and teachings helped establish studio pottery as a respected artistic discipline, blending aesthetics with everyday use. He is often called a pioneer who brought a thoughtful approach to ceramics, emphasizing the importance of tradition, process, and artistic integrity.