Hamada at work

On August 24th 1920 Hamada Shoji and his friend Bernard Leach arrived in St. Ives to establish a pottery. At this time, St. Ives was in a period of transition with the town recognising the importance of art and tourisnm as the traditional fishing and mining industries declined.

The exhibition shows early work by Hamada, Leach and Cardew together with pots that may have influenced their work and a fascinating commentary describes the early years at the Leach Pottery. This includes a quote from a Daily Mail article of 1921 which says " ...do not go to St. Ives for the parades or beach music or a continuous round of diversions ready to hand. For thank heaven, they are not yet dreamed of in this pleasant haven of restfulness and quaint delight"!