The Journal of Australian Ceramics Vol 50 no 1 April 2011

Well Read
The leach Pottery 1952 - NEW DVD Edition
Updated version, with new narration by
American potter Warren MacKenzie
Produced by Marty Gross Produdions 2010
32 minutes, black & white, $40
Now available online
www.australianceramics.com
or call 1300720 124
This DVD and booklet is a delightful package of rare and
historic material. I can't recommend it enough.
The film (the main feature of this DVD) was made in 1952 by
members of a local camera club in 5t Ives. It was brought to light in 1975 when Marty Gross was visiting
Bernard and Janet Leach to learn more about films made by Bernard in Japan in 1934-35.
Much later, in 2007, Warren Mackenzie (who with his wife Alix had worked at the Leach Pottery
from 1950-52) watched the video version of the film several times and shared his recolledions of that
time and his insights and perspective on the pottery workings, on Bernard Leach, his son David, and the
other staff involved in the seemingly smooth and friendly running of the enterprise . These memories
have been ed ited as a commentary to the film.
At times the commentary is succindly clarifying an adion, and introducing the workers and their roles
as the film goes through the process of clay preparation and throwing, glazing, decorating and firing
the pots, unpacking the kiln and replenishing the stock shelves and showroom.
But more interesting are Warren's thoughts, asides and judgements as the film progresses. There
is a wonderful chapter showing Bernard in his private room above the pottery contemplating some
of his superb drawings of pots and choosing the image of the jar that he was later shown making to
completion. For Warren, the drawings were paramount - and I almost believed he meant they had
a life the pots could not share - but his final praise of the spirit of Bernard Leach's pots (still his own
inspiration) settled the matter.
The fil m shows Bernard Leach using his treadle wheel to throw and turn a pot, later to be dipped in
dark slip and engraved with a willow pattern. It is intriguing to watch him, always in shirt and tie, and
usually a jacket, working with a pradised ease and concentration.
At that time Bernard did all the decoration of the pots made in the studio, whether by David Leach
or Bill Marshall or himself. At one moment, Warren remarks that his time engraving the lids of the
porcelain sugar pots was certainly ill spent, and could be better used making individual pots to be sold
at a higher price. But I wonder about this, grateful for those gentle pots, and remembering Bernard's
lively enjoyment when spending time with the 'team'.
I have watched the film perhaps a dozen times, with friends, professional and lay potters and
students, (in Japan, Taiwan, Australia, North America and the UK) and it continues to please and
THE JOURNAL OF AUSTRALIAN CERAMICS APRIL 2011 101