The Leach Pottery, St.Ives
Bernard Leach became one of the most influential figures of the craft movement in the 20th century and his pottery in St.Ives was the centre and symbol of this movement.
The project involved the careful repair and conservation of the existing listed buildings and the creation of a new reception building, workshop and gallery space. The project was commissioned by Penwith District Council.
The design aim was to enhance the existing buildings, protect the natural beauty of the site, and to achieve a high level of sustainability in the use of construction materials and methods to both listed and new buildings on the site. The original workshops were conserved with great care to maintain the essence of the place that was so special to The Leach Pottery. The repair work to the listed building was carried out so that the effect was to present the most minimal intervention.
The outcome is a collection of highly refined and finely detailed buildings that enhance the legacy of Bernard Leach and that have now become a very popular visitor destination in St Ives.
