Janet Leach founded the New Craftsman, the influential shop-cum-gallery, in St Ives, Cornwall in 1965. This exhibition traces its history, from its roots in The Craftsmen's Shop, set up by David Leach and Robin Nance in 1952, to its present form as the New Craftsman Gallery, run by Ylenia Haase since 2008.

The Crafts Study Centre holds the records of the New Craftsman and Janet Leach’s personal papers, as well as founding collections of works by many of the makers whose ceramics were sold through the New Craftsman. The Centre also holds the personal papers of Bernard Leach and the records of the Leach Pottery.

This exhibition is presented in association with the exhibition New Craftsman: Past, Present, Future at the New Craftsman Gallery, 9 September to 6 October 2023. An accompanying book, Formidable Partners: The Founding of the New Craftsman in St Ives by Simon Olding and Greta Bertram, will be published at the end of October 2023.

In memory of Professor Simon Olding, Director of the Crafts Study Centre 2002-2022

Photo: Janet Leach (left) and ‘Boots’ Redgrave at the Leach Pottery, 1960s. Crafts Study Centre NCM/13/1/2 © Courtesy of the Bernard Leach Estate