David Leach

David Leach

David Leach was an American artist whose contributions to the field of ceramics are widely recognized and celebrated. He was born in 1911 in Japan, where his father Bernard Leach, a renowned potter, was working at the time. David Leach studied at the Leach Pottery in St Ives, Cornwall, where he learned the techniques and aesthetics of traditional Japanese and English pottery. He later established his own studio in Bovey Tracey, Devon, where he developed his signature style of crystalline glazes. Leach's works are characterized by their elegant forms, intricate patterns, and rich colors. He was particularly interested in exploring the possibilities of crystalline glazes, which involve the controlled growth of crystals on the surface of the pottery during firing. Leach's glazes were known for their delicate and intricate patterns, which often resembled natural phenomena such as snowflakes, flowers, or waves. In addition to his artistic achievements, Leach was also a respected teacher and mentor. He taught at various institutions, including the Central School of Arts and Crafts in London and the Haystack Mountain School of Crafts in Maine. He also wrote extensively on the subject of ceramics, including the influential book A Potter's Book, which he co-authored with his father. Leach's legacy continues to inspire and influence generations of ceramic artists around the world. His works can be found in many public and private collections, including the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, and the National Museum of Modern Art in Tokyo.

David Leach, ceramics, crystalline glaze, pottery, Bernard Leach

— Daniel Martin