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For Gordon and Kathy Bell, a visit to the Leach Pottery in St Ives in 1963 sparked a life-long fascination with ceramics and collecting. The fruits of their 60 years of acquisition are presented here: a publication celebrating the Bell Collection and placing it in the context of the period in which it was initiated and developed.
Centred on the career of Bernard Leach, widely regarded as the pioneer of British Studio Pottery, the collection evolved to include work by 20th-century makers influenced by Leach’s example. As the collection grew, efforts were also made to include pieces that demonstrated the wide range of clays, glazes and techniques utilised by different potters. With over 500 works now housed at Clare Hall, Cambridge, the collection attests to the Bells' broad vision and includes works created by an international cast of potters. Featuring a catalogue of the collection and the insights and reflections of both Gordon and Kathy Bell and ceramics expert Helen Ritchie, this important publication will contribute to our understanding of studio ceramics while also standing as the definitive account of one of the UK’s leading Studio Pottery collections.
Gordon Bell is a former teacher of art and Professor of Education. Since retirement, he has curated several exhibitions, including a show devoted to British Studio Pottery for the North York Moors National Park. Helen Ritchie is Senior Curator of Modern and Contemporary Applied Arts at the Fitzwilliam Museum, University of Cambridge. She writes and lectures widely on craft and design and has curated numerous exhibitions, including an award-winning collaboration with artist Magdalene Odundo.