The Leach Pottery Restoration Project

APPOINTMENT OF JACK DOHERTY
AS LEAD POTTER

The Leach Pottery in St Ives is moving rapidly towards the completion of its restoration programme and has appointed its new Lead Potter.

JACK DOHERTY was born and brought up on the north coast of Ireland. He trained at the University of Ulster in Belfast. Since graduating in 1971 he has worked as a potter first with studios in Ireland and since 1983 at Ross-on-Wye in Herefordshire. His work is exhibited widely, winning gold medals at international exhibitions in Italy and France. He is represented in many public and private collections in the U.K. Europe and North America.
As chairman of the Craft Potters Association of Great Britain, Jack is actively engaged in promoting contemporary studio ceramics. He is currently chair of the organising committee of Ceramic Art London the major new ceramics fair held at the Royal College of Art. His involvement with the education and training of potters includes lecturing, organising, specialist conferences, mentoring and leading workshops in many countries. A major solo exhibition of his recent work is currently on display at Contemporary Ceramics in Marshall Street, London.
Jack's appointment follows Lisa Hammond's withdrawal from the post. After a detailed examination of her production requirements both she and the Pottery agreed that the scale of her current operations at Maze Hill Pottery in London could not be replicated within the constraints of the site in St Ives.
Jack will take up his appointment in January. He says "The Leach Pottery is a special place, it has been one of the most famous and influential potteries in the world. There are very few places now where new potters can develop their practical skills in a workshop situation. The refurbished Leach pottery will be a place where ceramics students meet the world of production pottery and where new potters are mentored and supported. I'm excited by the challenge of leading the pottery and looking forward to making my own work in St Ives."

Proposed opening date of the fully restored Pottery, Workshops and Cottage is now due in March 2008.