Project Takes Huge Step Forward
with two major grants confirmed 23rd January 2006

GRANTS of £450,767 from the European Regional Development Fund (Objective One) and £100,000 from the Regional Development Agency's Rural Renaissance Programme have now been added to the £610,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund and £98,685 from the Arts Council announced during 2005. In addition Cornwall County Council and Penwith District Council have both pledged £75,000 towards the project to save the historic pottery founded by Bernard Leach in 1920. The project also has the support of St Ives Town Council.

With this major public funding secured, Penwith District Council has now purchased the pottery and signed contracts with GHK Architects and the Project Director, Peter Cowling of Falmouth Quay Consultants. I am delighted to say that Mr Yoshiji Nogami, the Japanese Ambassador in London and Mr Graham Fry, the UK Ambassador in Tokyo, have both agreed to be Founder Patrons of the project.

Now it is the task of the charitable trust company, Bernard Leach (St Ives) Trust Limited, to raise a substantial sum from private sources. The target is £500,000. The bulk of this will come from a range of companies, foundations and trusts, some of which have already been approached, but support from the general public is crucial.

The trust needs to raise between £50,000 and £100,000 from individual supporters of the project throughout the UK and overseas. This money is needed to equip and furnish the training workshops and kiln room, the museum, gallery and shop. Good quality modern electric and gas kilns, throwing wheels and other basic craft equipment will be of particular importance.

We are now launching a general public appeal for financial support. People can play a part in the project by making a cash donation or by joining our Membership Scheme. Details of benefits and how to pay are given in an information leaflet. At present we are only able to accept payment by cheque but we hope soon to be able to accept donations and subscriptions by debit/credit cards and bank transfer. See Appeals by clicking here or APPEAL on the navigation bar.

You can obtain a leaflet or leaflets if you would like to assist in promoting the project by emailing: donations@leachproject.co.uk or by contacting:
The Leach Pottery Restoration Project
P O Box 132,
St Ives,
Cornwall
TR26 1WY.