Echo of Leach Tableware & Exhibition
Echo of Leach is a new range of 21st century Leach Standard Ware that I designed and developed during my doctoral research at the Leach Pottery. I curated an exhibition of this work which showed at the Pottery from June to September 2013. Echo of Leach included examples of my tools, designs, and pots, and also featured the new range of ‘Echo of Leach’ Standard Ware that I designed. Echo of Leach was then interpreted by the Leach Pottery Studio (Kat Wheeler and Britta Wengeler) and by Doug Fitch, Jonathan Keep, Jeff Oestreich and Britta Wengeler.
The research investigated ways in which digital design technologies (such as Computer Numerically Controlled Cutting and Rapid Prototyping) can be used to examine and extend Leach Pottery design and production methods. The project also included a visual review of Leach Standard Ware, observation of Leach Pottery workshop practices, and the development of practical skills in the use of digital design production methods. This exploration of new production methods, based on the integration of digital technologies into Leach’s current practices, provides the means to examine the relationship between digital design and small-scale craft making facilities.