The Leach Studio

The Leach Pottery’s new studio was built in 2008 and now boasts a highly skilled team including; Roelof Uys (Lead Potter), Matt Foster (Production Manager), skilled production potters; Britta James, Henry Bird and apprentice Ellie Woods who all make our new standard ware range.

If you are interested in any aspect of the studio's work please contact roelof@leachpottery.com.

Leach Production Team

Roelof Uys (South Africa)

Roelof Uys studied art at East London Technical College in South Africa. He founded his first ceramics studio in Limpopo province in 1992, where he collaborated with potter Solomon Matatoko. He went on to work in Kynsna as a resident potter at Bitou Crafts, founded by Clementina van der Walt. Roelof then started his own production pottery in Cape Town, where he served on the committee of the Western Cape Potters Association.

Roelof moved to the UK in 1998, where he worked as a studio potter in the Gaolyard Studios, St Ives. He took up his role as Lead Potter at the Leach Pottery in 2013. As the Lead Potter, Roelof oversees the design and production of the new Leach Standard Ware and supervises the training of apprentices and volunteers in the workshop.

‘It was a great honour to be offered the roll of Lead Potter here at the Leach. I hope to continue working in a tradition that has influenced and inspired so many artists from all over the world. I am always mindful that I stand on the shoulders of giants.’

*Production Potter & Apprentice Coordinator, Britta Wengeler-James*

Britta James (Germany)

Trained in Germany, Britta followed an old German craft tradition of travelling to various potteries for three years and a day to work and learn. She used this time to deepen her skills and learn about different cultural aspects of ceramics. Britta worked for potters in Germany, France, New Zealand and England, where she first worked for the Leach Pottery in 2010/2011. Britta was particularly influenced by her time with New Zealand potter, Petra Mayboden, learning about wood firing and various decoration techniques.

In 2012, Britta returned to the Leach pottery to became a permanent member of the production team. She continues to produce a wide range of well crafted, wheel-thrown kitchen and table ware. Britta decorates the pots while the clay is still soft to add depth to the surface. For the decoration, she uses a number of techniques, such as stamping with various roulettes, impressing with pieces of wood, cutting, adding clay or otherwise deforming the pot.

The pieces are glazed in celadon, shino, blue and copper red, then fired to 1300°C in reduction. These glazes vary in colour from thick to thin, further enhancing the surface decoration of the pots. Influenced by her journey, Britta’s pots are luscious and playful but deeply rooted in the formal language of traditional European pottery.

Matthew Foster (UK)

Matthew studied fine art at Kent University 2004-2006. He went on to work for Joseph Clarke at the Millennium Gallery in St Ives. At the Millennium, working alongside a collection of exciting contemporary artists, many of whom are local to the area.

In October 2015, Matt joined the Leach Pottery as the second Seasalt Bursary Apprentice, giving him the opportunity to learn and work alongside a talented and diverse production team. ‘This environment and opportunity allows me to develop my personal work.

Matt’s approach to his work as an artist and tradesman places more importance on function than the appearance of beauty. He aims to achieve a transition from the traditions that influence him to a contemporary practice that speaks of his personality.

Production Potter Ellie Woods. Photo by Matthew Tyas

Henry Bird (UK)

Henry Bird is a local potter and has been part of the Leach production team since January 2021

Born in Epsom, Surrey, Henry studied Art Foundation and progressed to 3D Design at Loughborough University in 2012-2016. During this time Henry explored different crafts, techniques and processes; gravitating towards ceramics in his final year due to the endless possibilities and expressive qualities of the material. He was also inspired by tutor Ben Brierley and the experience of taking part in a few wood firings. He went on to train at Whichford Pottery from 2018-2020, where he learned to throw flowerpots with speed and consistency and pack large kilns. He moved to Cornwall in December 2020.

Before joining the Leach, with the opportunity to use a field in South Devon, Henry immersed himself into learning the primitive process of pit firing, developing his ideas and building an outdoor workshop. He used locally sourced materials such as seaweed, driftwood and straw to burn, creating the colours and textures on the pots. Currently Henry is learning the process of making Leach Pottery Standard Ware, which is directly informing the development of his own work. He is adapting and embracing the materials and facilities available here, working with the local stoneware clay, glazes and reduction gas firing process. Focusing on everyday, functional pots naturally inspired by those around him and the rich artistic heritage and landscape of the local area.

Henry is currently on a sabbatical.

Ellie Woods (UK)

In July 2021, Ellie Woods joined the Leach Pottery Studio as a Studio Apprentice, graduating in July 2024 to join the team as a Production Potter.

Born in Cumbria, Ellie went on to study Fine Art at Liverpool John Moore’s University, graduating in 2018. At that time, she was interested in film photography, making photography books and using these to create installations to encourage the audience to interact with her work.

“After I graduated, I think it was this idea of my work being accessible and functional that led me to discover pottery and I knew this is what I wanted to do. I really struggled to find a teacher, there is a lot to learn, so I'm very grateful that I've been taken on as the new apprentice. I've learnt so much already, it's so great to be learning from such experienced potters.”

We’ll be following Ellie’s progress as she completes her three year apprenticeship and will be excited to see where her journey takes her.

Amy Wilson (UK)

Apprentice Amy Wilson started her two-year apprenticeship in autumn 2023. She is a Science graduate who was working in the food sciences industry when she applied for the apprenticeship. The course attracted more than 80 applicants, with those shortlisted taking part in a day of practical assessments and an interview.

The foundation level placement is designed for people with little or no experience of ceramics. Amy says she saw the job ad and immediately said yes! “It was the kind of thing I was looking for,” she says. “I wanted the informality of apprenticeships.

“I was working in science but I really, really wanted to become a potter.” Amy had taken part in pottery courses before applying for the apprenticeship but had no formal training.

“I can’t think of anything more perfect for what I wanted, it’s better.” Within a few weeks of starting she had discovered her favourite thing to do in the studio: “Handles!”.

We’ll be following the progress of our Apprentices as they complete their three year apprenticeships and will be excited to see where their journeys take them.

Callum Cowie (UK)

Callum joined the Leach Pottery in 2024 as our latest Apprentice, and is learning every aspect of the craft of making Leach Standard Ware. He comes from a design background, having studied Illustration.

Callum is currently experimenting with different materials and forms, seeking those that best express simplicity. He is particularly drawn to Japanese aesthetics and the philosophy of becoming present in pottery, allowing creativity and beauty to shine through.

The use of cool colours is prominent in his palette, bringing their calming presence to the lives of those that enjoy his pots. It is the use of these everyday objects that Callum finds most interesting; elevating the simple act of a cup of coffee or enjoying a meal with hand-crafted wares is a privilege that invigorates him every day.