Master craftsmen: Emmanuel Cooper’s ’Connections & Contrasts’ on show at the Leach Pottery, St Ives

potter, broadcaster, writer, teacher and curator.
The Leach Pottery's 'Emmanuel Cooper: Connections & Contrasts', is a major retrospective on the work of the influential – and hugely prolific – potter, broadcaster, writer, teacher and curator. Pictured: self portrait, 1987. Photography courtesy the estate of Emmanuel Cooper
(Image credit: Emmanuel Cooper estate)

Set a mile or so above the picturesque coastline and crystalline waters of St Ives so beloved of 20th century artists like Hepworth, Nicolson and Nash, the Leach Pottery is considered by many to be the birthplace and spiritual home of British studio pottery. 

Founded by Bernard Leach and the Japanese potter Shoji Hamada in 1920, the studio has been in operation for much of the past century – save an 18 year period following Bernard's death in 1979, in which his wife Janet ceased production of the studio's standard ware to concentrate on creating her own pots – garnering extensive international acclaim and earning its founder the CBE (in 1962) and a Japan Foundation Cultural Award, the country's equivalent of the Nobel Prize (in 1974). 

After a £1.7 million renovation and restoration in 2005 – 2008, the Leach Pottery reopened as an extended studio (which can be visited via guided tour between Easter and October), shop, museum and gallery.

Currently showing in the latter is 'Emmanuel Cooper: Connections & Contrasts', a major retrospective on the work of the influential – and hugely prolific – potter, broadcaster, writer, teacher and curator. Notably, he founded the magazine Ceramic Review in 1970, and received the OBE for his contribution to the arts in 2002.

The show examines Cooper's work and life in the context of his relationship with Leach, which culminated with his 2003 biography on the late craftsman (he also authored books on Janet Leach and the duo's son David, also an influential potter and who too received the OBE for his services top the craft). 

Nearly 50 of Cooper's pots are on show, encapsulating his nuanced, artistic take on the form, that 'speak of the urban environment, from deeply textured detail to soft vibrant colours often accentuated with the addition of subtle gold highlights'. In addition, a small set of his production tableware and a collection of working documents, drawings and sketchbooks – and his kickwheel – are also on display. 

A complementary publication of the same name accompanies the exhibition, published by the Leach Pottery and featuring a foreword by the ceramicist, artist and writer – and, of course, OBE – Edmund de Waal. The show runs until 6 September. 

Cooper's pots display

Nearly 50 of Cooper's pots are on show, encapsulating his nuanced, artistic take on the form. Photography: Matthew Tyas

(Image credit: Matthew Tyas)

Cooper's work and life

The show examines Cooper's work and life in the context of his relationship with Bernard Leach, which culminated with his 2003 biography on the late craftsman. Photography: Matthew Tyas

(Image credit: Matthew Tyas)

volcanic glaze on a stoneware bowl

Detail of volcanic glaze on a stoneware bowl, 1990s. Photography: Dewi Tannatt Lloyd. Courtesy of Ruthin Craft Centre

(Image credit: Dewi Tannatt Lloyd)

tableware is on display

A small set of the potter's production tableware is also on display... 
Photography: Matthew Tyas

(Image credit: Matthew Tyas)

working documents

... as well as working documents, drawings and sketchbooks. Photography: Matthew Tyas

(Image credit: Matthew Tyas)

Cooper's influential practice

These pieces reveal a more intimate and personal side to Cooper's influential practice. Photography: Matthew Tyas

(Image credit: Matthew Tyas)

Cooper's volcanic jugs

Examples of Cooper's volcanic jugs, evincing the potter's heavily aesthetic style (note the gold detail). Photography: Dewi Tannatt Lloyd. Courtesy of Ruthin Craft Centre

(Image credit: Dewi Tannatt Lloyd)

Cooper's kickwheel

Cooper's kickwheel has been installed for the exhibition. Photography: Matthew Tyas

(Image credit: Matthew Tyas)

Bowl, 2000

Bowl, 2000. The piece displays Cooper's predeliction for soft, vibrant colours. Photography: Dewi Tannatt Lloyd. Courtesy of Ruthin Craft Centre

(Image credit: Dewi Tannatt Lloyd)

Emmanuel Cooper in 1981

Emmanuel Cooper in 1981. He recieved the OBE for his contribution to the arts in 2002

(Image credit: TBC)

ADDRESS

The Leach Pottery
Higher Stennack
St Ives, TR26 2HE

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Tom Howells is a London-based food journalist and editor. He’s written for Vogue, Waitrose Food, the Financial Times, The Fence, World of Interiors, Time Out and The Guardian, among others. His new book, An Opinionated Guide to London Wine, will be published by Hoxton Mini Press later this year.