Michael Leach: Yelland Jug

Michael Leach (1913-85)

Michael Leach was Bernard Leach’s second son and the younger brother of David. He is well-known for establishing Yelland Pottery in North Devon, in 1956. Using a selection of pots, stories, and photos mostly provided by Michael’s family and former students, this exhibition explores his work and ideas in relation to the Leach legacy and his own practice giving a unique window into life at Yelland.

Michael engaged with the Leach Pottery from as early as 1922, spending afternoons under the tutelage of Shoji Hamada. After reading Natural Sciences in Cambridge in the early 1930s, Michael returned to the Leach Pottery in the late 1930s. Interrupted by the War, he joined the Pioneer Corps and was stationed in East Africa where he helped established two potteries making wares for the troops.

From 1947, Michael spent time at Wrecclesham Pottery, Farnham, before assisting Agnete Hoy at Bullers Factory in Stoke-on-Trent. From 1948, he returned to St Ives to work under David and also taught at Penzance School of Art. For several years, Michael was more settled and moved into Beagle Cross, next door to the Leach Pottery, with his growing family.