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.