Bernard Leach (1887–1979) was a British studio potter and a significant figure in the field of studio ceramics. Born in Hong Kong, Leach spent much of his childhood in East Asia before returning to England for his education. He studied drawing and painting at the Slade School of Fine Art in London, where he developed an interest in ceramics.

Leach's artistic journey took him to Japan in 1909, where he immersed himself in the traditional pottery techniques of the country. He studied under the master potter Kenzan VI and learned the art of throwing pots on a kick wheel, as well as the principles of Japanese aesthetics and philosophy.

Upon his return to England in 1920, Leach established the Leach Pottery in St Ives, Cornwall, along with his friend and fellow potter Shoji Hamada. The pottery became a focal point for the studio pottery movement in Britain, attracting aspiring potters from around the world who came to learn from Leach and Hamada.

Leach's pottery was characterised by its simple, rustic forms and earthy glazes, inspired by the traditional folk pottery of Japan and Korea. He advocated for a return to handmade craftsmanship and a rejection of mass-produced industrial ceramics, emphasising the importance of individual expression and the relationship between the maker and the material.

In addition to his work as a potter, Leach was a prolific writer and educator, publishing several influential books on ceramics, including "A Potter's Book," which became a seminal text for generations of potters. He also taught pottery at the Leach Pottery and lectured widely on the philosophy and practice of ceramics.

Leach's legacy extends beyond his own pottery to the broader field of studio ceramics, where his ideas and teachings continue to inspire generations of artists and craftsmen. His commitment to craftsmanship, simplicity, and the spiritual dimension of pottery left an indelible mark on the world of ceramics, earning him a lasting reputation as one of the most important figures in the history of studio pottery.