Artwork

Untitled

Untitled, by Bernard Leach, 1954
Untitled, by Bernard Leach, 1954

Untitled is a drawing by Bernard Leach. It dates from 1954 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

This is a drawing from 1954 by Bernard Leach.
His work linked East and West through pottery and ideas.
He lived in Japan early on, then started a pottery studio in England.

One key fact: he teamed up with Hamada Shōji to build the first English studio like those in Japan.
That studio still shapes British ceramics today.

Look up Bernard Leach next.

Overview

This 1954 drawing is the work of Bernard Leach, a potter who played a significant role in shaping British ceramics. Leach's career spanned multiple continents, with periods spent in Japan and England.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing is a visual record of Leach's time in the village of Onta, Japan, where he observed and participated in local pottery practices. It captures aspects of the traditional craft that Leach admired.

History & Provenance

Leach's visit to Onta in 1954 was part of a longer tour of Japan. During his three-week stay, he worked alongside local potters, producing ceramics and drawings that documented their techniques and kilns.

Context

Leach's experiences in Japan significantly influenced his work. He co-founded the Leach Pottery in St Ives, England, with Hamada Shōji, introducing East Asian-style ceramics to Britain.

Artist & collection

Artist

Bernard Leach

Bernard Leach made drawings like *Untitled* in 1954—simple ink lines on paper without titles or dates to guide you.