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[April 2006]
Leach Pottery Restoration Project Receives Another Major Award
The Leach Pottery Restoration Project in St. Ives has been awarded a further £99,438.00 from Arts Council England South West. This is to support the creation of a new pottery workshop to accommodate both business start-up studios and students from University College Falmouth, as well as a new showcase gallery for the sale of contemporary studio pottery.
Lady Carol Holland, Chair of the Bernard Leach (St. Ives) Trust said: "This second grant from Arts Council England South West makes it possible for us to go ahead with confidence to plan an education and training programme that will make the Leach Pottery once again an inspirational place for young potters to improve their technical skills and to learn the necessary business expertise to help them to set up on their own. Some of this money will also go towards the exciting showcase gallery that will introduce the work of contemporary potters to a wider market."
Nick Capaldi, Arts Council England, South West Executive Director said: "We are delighted to be able to provide nearly £100,000, almost doubling our financial support for this project. When restoration is complete, the Leach Pottery will support ceramicists by helping them to increase their skills, develop professionally and build up their businesses. Projects like this are part of our investment in the fast-growing creative industries sector which is key to the region's future prosperity and identity."
Harry Isaacs, former potter at the Leach Pottery and St. Ives Town Councillor said: "I see the major challenge for this project to be the creation of opportunities for future generations to learn and work in the unique environment of the Leach Pottery. This funding will enable this to happen."
John Bedding, speaking on behalf of St. Ives Ceramics, a flagship contemporary studio pottery selling gallery, said: "This is a major boost to the Cornish pottery community for both training, and the selling of pottery. The international name of the Leach Pottery will add to the credentials of anyone that trains there, whilst the new gallery will be a vital new showcase for local potters under a recognised name for excellence. I am in full support of this new resource for the town". John Bedding is also a trustee of the Bernard Leach (St. Ives) Trust.
Tamsin Daniel, project co-ordinator said: "St. Ives has the real potential to become a centre for the provision of high quality education, training and skills in the arts and creative industries, as well as a destination for visitors interested in drawing, painting and now pottery holidays. The St. Ives School of Painting already has an excellent reputation in this field which, combined with the Leach Pottery project and other cultural attractions in the town, should enable St. Ives to attract more schools, colleges and visitors interested in 'art activity based' holidays.
The Leach Pottery Restoration Project is being led by Penwith District Council and is supported by the European Regional Development Fund, the Rural Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Partnership, the Heritage Lottery Fund, Cornwall County Council, Creative Kernow and Penwith District Council.
ENDS