Records of the Leach Pottery

Scope and Content

Records of the Leach Pottery, mainly after the death of Bernard Leach: reports and accounts, 1979-1998; a few legal papers, 1950s, 1970s and copies of deeds 1927-1991; financial papers, mainly about insurance, 1960-1979; and agreements from Mary Redgrave's files: a draft of her partnership agreement, 1967, and an agreement for an exhibition, 1999.

Administrative / Biographical History

The Leach Pottery at St Ives in Cornwall was founded in 1920 by Bernard Leach and Shoji Hamada. From 1937, the pottery was managed by Leach's eldest son David, who became a co-partner in 1946. From 1956, it was managed by Janet Leach, Bernard's third wife, and after her death in 1997 the business was inherited by Mary Redgrave, her partner in 'Crafts Contracts'.

Arrangement

  • LEA/1 Reports of the Directors, with signed accounts 1980-1998
  • LEA/2 Legal papers 1950-1952, 1971-1972, plus copies of deeds
  • LEA/3 Financial papers 1960-1978
  • LEA/4 Mary Redgrave's copies of agreements 1967, 1999
  • LEA/5 Memorabilia 1982

Access Information

Archive material may be viewed by appointment only.

Note

This entry was compiled by Shirley Dixon, Crafts Study Centre Archivist, May 2020.

Other Finding Aids

Catalogue on Crafts Study Centre database. A pdf copy is available on request.

Conditions Governing Use

Written permission must be sought before any archival material is published.

Appraisal Information

None timetabled.

Accruals

None expected.