Opening on Valentine’s Day, Matthew Foster’s international residency exhibition showcases pots created during his in 2024 stay at the Mashiko Museum of Ceramic Art in Japan. Working with great enthusiasm during his fully immersive experience in this renowned pottery town, Matthew creatively engages a variety of traditions, experimenting with various techniques and materials.

Making over 900 pieces in just 8 weeks, this exhibition presents a selection of over 100 of these pots, each reflecting a playful commitment to craftsmanship and creativity. It is a rare opportunity to experience a range of pots with an impressive array of styles, clays, and glazes. The pots demonstrate Matthew’s exploration of diverse influences, making this a significant and rewarding collection. Says Matthew:

The process of learning was concentrated: playing with ideas and working all the time, often 12-14 hours a day. This ‘playing’ is quite a good way of making pots – it improves my translation time, heightening the connection between processing experiences and creation.

In the exhibition, there is a broad exploration of genres, for example kohiki-style footed forms, wood-fired pots from Jackie Iwami’s kiln, and wood-fired salt glaze wares from Tomoo Hamada’s kiln. Alongside these are ash and shino altered forms, on-glaze enamel, iron brush work and wax resist with Mashiko Khaki, and oribe-style pots. There are also a small number of selected yunomi and chawan, each complete with a box signed by Matthew. In translation of his time in Japan, there is also a body of work made at the Leach Pottery in 2025. Says Matthew:

After nearly ten years at the Leach Pottery, I felt I was ready for the experience of Mashiko – to test myself and explore my journey elsewhere. The residency allowed me to reflect on my abilities, successes, and mistakes, which were crucial in furthering my understanding of the craft.

Matthew Foster is the Leach Pottery’s Studio Production Manager, joining the team in October 2015 as the second Seasalt Bursary Apprentice. He studied Fine Art at Kent University 2004-6.

The exhibition runs in the Leach Pottery Entrance Gallery.
All works for sale.

Free admission; open Monday - Saturday, 10am - 5pm,
& from 2 March onwards: Sunday, 11am - 4pm.