. . Ceramic Rev1ew The International Magazine of Ceramics

May/June 1998

Issue Number

171

EDITORIAL

English Heritage has rightly designated the Leach Pottery in St lves as a site of historic interest. It is a significan"t step in publicly acknowledging the contribution made by Bernard Leach and other potters who worked at the Pottery, to the history of twentieth century ceramic art. Following the death of Janet Leach last September, doubt has surrounded the future of the Pottery. English Heritage has at least signalled its cultural importance . All the original buildings remain and the threechamber climbing kiln, rebuilt in 1923, is virtually intact. In an ideal world the Pottery would be acquired by the Nation , operated partly as a working pottery, partly as a museum showing work by Leach Pottery potters, and partly as a resource centre for the study and appreciation of pots . With the availability of public funds virtually at a standstill, such a move will depend to a large extent on public/potter pressurenow is the time for such pressure to be applied .

Potters continue to respond to the ideas of Bernard Leach, particularly as expressed in his essa y Towards a Standard, in highly individual ways. Such work is the theme of two major articles in this issue, with Nick Lees looking at minimalism in tableware, while Alison Britton focuses on the refined vessels of Prue Venablesall a vital part of the Leach legacy. m

Bernard Leach, 1957, The Leach Pottery, St.lves

Profile

Focus

Review

Potter

Potter

Celebration

Reputation

Profile

Profile

Education

Workshop

Workshop

Letters

Gallery

Still Lives

Craftsmen Taiko

A Song of Today

Clear Spring Water

North Street Potters

Engaging in Dreams

Two Cultures

Faking It

Review

Review

Cover

Reports

Small Advertisements

Revelations

Jack Doherty

3 CERAMIC REVIEW 171 MAY/JU NE 1998