Janet Leach: Potter

Janet Leachs was a pioneering potter who was born in Texas and grew up on her grandparents' self-sufficient farmstead. At nineteen, she took a Greyhound bus to New York and found work as a sculptor's assistant. During the war, she worked on Staten Island, welding the hulls of US-Navy destroyers. After discovering pottery, she met Bernard Leach and Shoji Hamada at Black Mountain College in North Carolina. They planned to marry and build a pottery near Kyoto, but two years absence from St Ives obliged Bernard to return to Cornwall. A year later, Janet reluctantly left Japan to join Bernard in England, where she stayed for the next 40 years, becoming manager of the world-famous Leach Pottery. This biography is based on previously unpublished letters, notebooks, and diaries and provides a rich portrayal of a pioneering potter.

Format: Hardback
Length: 160 pages
Publication date: 21 February 2024
Publisher: Unicorn Publishing Group

Janet Leachs' early years in Texas, spanning the Roaring Twenties and the Depression, instilled resilience and a multitude of practical skills in her. These skills were initially honed on her grandparents' self-sufficient farmstead. At the age of nineteen, she embarked on a journey to the bustling city of New York, where she secured a job as an assistant sculptor. When World War II erupted, she found herself working on Staten Island, welding the hulls of US-Navy destroyers. It was during this time that she discovered her passion for pottery and met Bernard Leach and Shoji Hamada at Black Mountain College in North Carolina. After spending two years honing her craft in Japan, where her love for pottery truly flourished, she returned to England in 1956, reluctantly joining Bernard in a country entirely unfamiliar to her. There, she spent the next forty years managing the world-renowned Leach Pottery, leaving an indelible mark on the pottery world.

This biography is based on previously unpublished letters, notebooks, and diaries, providing a comprehensive and insightful portrayal of a pioneering potter. It delves into the details of Janet Leachs' life, career, and artistic journey, shedding light on her experiences and contributions to the field of pottery. Through her letters and diaries, we gain a personal glimpse into her thoughts, emotions, and artistic struggles, allowing us to appreciate the depth of her talent and dedication.

Janet Leachs' childhood in Texas, marked by the challenges of the Roaring Twenties and the Depression, shaped her into a resilient and resourceful individual. Her early years on her grandparents' farmstead taught her the value of self-sufficiency and hard work, skills that would serve her well in her future endeavors. At nineteen, she took a bold step forward and embarked on a journey to the cosmopolitan city of New York, where she sought opportunities to pursue her artistic dreams.

In New York, Janet's determination and talent caught the attention of sculptors, and she secured a job as an assistant sculptor. It was during this time that she discovered her passion for pottery and was introduced to the works of Bernard Leach and Shoji Hamada. Their influence on her artistic journey was profound, and she was inspired to further explore the world of ceramics.

After spending two years honing her craft in Japan, Janet returned to England in 1956, reluctantly joining Bernard in a country completely unknown to her. However, her love for pottery and her determination to pursue her dreams prevailed, and she soon found herself managing the world-renowned Leach Pottery.

Over the next forty years, Janet dedicated herself to the Leach Pottery, leaving an indelible mark on the pottery world. Her innovative techniques and artistic vision transformed the pottery into a celebrated institution, attracting visitors from all over the globe. Janet's commitment to excellence and her dedication to her craft earned her numerous accolades and recognition, including the prestigious Queen's Award for Export Achievement.

In addition to her professional achievements, Janet Leachs was a passionate advocate for the arts and education. She believed that art had the power to transform lives and inspire creativity, and she worked tirelessly to promote art education and accessibility to all. She established the Leach Pottery School, which continues to train and inspire aspiring potters and ceramic artists.

Janet Leachs' life and career are a testament to the power of determination, passion, and hard work. Her journey from a childhood in Texas to the heights of success in the pottery world is a story of resilience, creativity, and the pursuit of one's dreams. Through her letters, notebooks, and diaries, we gain a deeper understanding of her artistic journey and the impact she has had on the world of ceramics.

In conclusion, Janet Leachs' biography is a rich and informative portrayal of a pioneering potter. Her childhood in Texas, her journey to New York, and her years in Japan and England have shaped her into a resilient and talented individual. Through her letters, notebooks, and diaries, we gain a personal glimpse into her thoughts, emotions, and artistic struggles, allowing us to appreciate the depth of her talent and dedication. Janet Leachs' legacy as a potter and advocate for the arts will continue to inspire and influence future generations of artists and enthusiasts alike.

Weight: 530g
Dimension: 160 x 221 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781916846005