A Bonhams auction has raised £40,000 towards restoring the Cornish studio of one of the world’s most famous potters.

Bernard Leach set up his pottery in St Ives in 1920 which helped establish Britain’s ceramic art worldwide.

The Leach Pottery Restoration Project will see the studio undergo a major capital development by the local authority, Penrith District Council. This involves the removal of asbestos, which was extensively used for insulation and weather protection. A new annexe is being added to the studio and the banks of the stream that runs by the property will be reinforced to protect the buildings.

The auction in London featured work provided by a group of international potters who acknowledge the influence of Leach on their work.

The sale total of £40,000 will all go the Leach Pottery Restoration Fund as Bonhams did not make any charge or add a premium.

For more information about the Leach Pottery restoration, go to www.theleachpotterystives.co.uk

The Leach Pottery Restoration Project
P O Box 132,
St Ives,
Cornwall
TR26 1WY.

Posted: 02|27|08 at 6:26 pm. Filed under: Auction News.