Three Studio Pottery Forms, including John Leach (English, 1939-2021)

Including a small tapered "Black Mood" jug by John Leach (English 1939-2021) for Muchelney Pottery, inscribed "1989" and stamped with artist's mark to underside (5 3/8 in.); a tall tapered crackle vase, inscribed "Gg" to underside (8 3/8 in.); and a teapot with bamboo handle and cobalt decoration, inscribed with unknown artist's initials to underside (with handle 7 3/4 x 8 3/4 in.).
Proceeds to benefit the Cynthia & Edwina Bringle Scholarship

Being sold to benefit Penland School of Craft, Penland, North Carolina

Penland’s scholarship program exists to make their workshops accessible to those who are not able to participate without financial assistance and to create educational opportunities for people who have been underrepresented at Penland and in the craft world. Proceeds from this auction will help fund existing scholarships, with some proceeds designated towards specific scholarships as noted in the listings.

John was the son of David Leach and the eldest grandson of Bernard Leach and was born at Pottery Cottage at Leach Pottery in St. Ives. Aged 18, John began his five-year apprenticeship. learning from talented and influential potters including Colin Pearson (Aylesford Pottery), Ray Finch (Winchcombe Pottery), his father David (Lowerdown Pottery) and grandfather Bernard (Leach Pottery, St. Ives).

Following his successful apprenticeship John travelled to the States to teach and set up a pottery with Harold Guilland in Mendocino, California in 1963. On his return to England he was keen to set up his own pottery and family home. After much searching, Muchelney was the chosen place.

John’s personal shapes were inspired by other cultures and times. He loved medieval pots and pots of the Appalachian Way. He often taught on his travels and as well as travelling around the UK he spent time in Alaska, Denmark, Sweden, USA, Jamaica and Africa. He particularly loved his time in Nigeria which had a later influence on some of his ‘Black Mood’ pots. The Black Mood pots are fired in a saggar filled with sawdust which creates the black bodies with serendipitous white wavy lines. No two pieces are the same and they are prized items in collections around the world.

Bio courtesy of Muchelney Pottery.

Small chip to bamboo handle on teapot; otherwise good estate condition.

Schedule Preview