Bernard Leach--Sydney Natkiel

 Bernard Leech was a British art teacher, and is known as "Father of British studio pottery". A pivotal time in Leech's life was when he was invited to a raku party with a friend. He was so amazed by the firing process that that is when he decided he wanted to do ceramics. He learned the purpose of brush work decoration in the ancient style , throwing and the many different kinds of firing methods. Leech pottery, founded in 1920. In 1921 Leach and Hamada produced individual pieces of stoneware in the three-chamber, wood-burning climbing kiln. In the round, up-draught kiln they were making decorated earthenware dishes, slip decorated, lead-glazed tableware and raku. Trees and Rhododendron were used for firing. Only 10-15% of their pots were successful. I really like this piece because the vase is different than how vases are usually made nowadays. I also like the colors and the square pattern on the vase.