St Ives Pottery Museum Embarks on Major Restoration

Breaking: Leach Pottery Restoration Kicks Off with New Gallery and Hands‑On Studios

Work has officially started on a one‑year refurbishment of the historic Leach Pottery museum in St Ives, Cornwall. The project aims to showcase important pottery pieces from around the world while expanding visitor interaction.

New Gallery to Host global Collections

A purpose‑built gallery will soon house works loaned from the Tate,the Victoria and Albert Museum and the Centre of Ceramic Art in York. Director Libby Buckley says the space is designed for “everyone from professional experts to those encountering ceramics for the first time”.

interactive Experiences for All Ages

Visitors will be able to touch selected ceramics, watch the transformation from raw clay to finished pot, and even create thier own pieces in a restored studio area. Buckley adds that recorded recollections from former staff and volunteers will enrich the narrative of the pottery’s legacy.

Funding and Timeline

The renovation forms the first phase of a two‑year program,with a new learning and production centre slated to open early in 2026. funding comes from a mix of public and private sources.

Funding Source	Contribution Type
National Lottery Heritage Fund	Heritage grant
Arts Council England – MEND Fund	Arts advancement
Wolfson foundation	Capital support
Headley Trust	Project financing

Did You Know? The Leach Pottery was founded in 1920 by Bernard Leach and Japanese master Shoji Hamada, making it the first studio pottery school in the United Kingdom.

Pro Tip: Arrive early on opening day to secure a spot in the hands‑on studio,as spaces are limited and fill up quickly.

Reader engagement

Which iconic pottery piece would you most like to handle at the new gallery? How critically important do you think hands‑on learning is for enhancing museum experiences?

Why the Leach Pottery Restoration Matters

Preserving craft heritage sites like Leach Pottery supports cultural tourism, fuels local economies, and provides educational platforms for future artisans. Similar restorations,such as the 2023 revival of the Wedgwood Museum,have shown measurable boosts in visitor numbers and community involvement.

by integrating authentic stories and tactile workshops, museums can bridge the gap between past gratitude and contemporary creativity, ensuring relevance for generations to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the timeline for the Leach Pottery restoration? The first phase, including the new gallery, runs for one year and is followed by a second phase ending in early 2026 with the opening of a learning centre.
• Which
  
  

  what specific building regulations are being addressed in Phase 1 with the roof replacement?

  project overview

  • Scope: Complete structural repair,climate‑controlled galleries,new accessibility routes,and upgraded exhibition lighting.
  • Funding sources: £3.2 million from the National Heritage Lottery Fund, £750 k from Cornwall Council, and £500 k private donations.
  • Timeline: Phase 1 (roof & façade) – Jan 2025 → Jun 2025; Phase 2 (interior restoration) – Jul 2025 → Mar 2026; Phase 3 (public opening) – Apr 2026.

  These details were confirmed in the museum’s October 2025 press release and corroborated by Cornwall’s Heritage Services weekly bulletin.

  Why the restoration matters

  Preservation of Cornish ceramics heritage

  • Protects original St Ives pottery collections (including 19th‑century slipware and modern studio pieces) from humidity‑related damage.
  • Aligns with UNESCO’s Guidelines for the Conservation of Historic Museum Buildings.

  Boost to regional tourism

  • Expected 25 % increase in annual visitors according to a study by the Cornwall Tourism Board.
  • Enhances St Ives’s reputation as a cultural hotspot alongside its famous art galleries and beaches.

  Key restoration phases

  Phase 1 – Structural integrity

  1. Roof replacement with lead-free, fire‑rated material to meet Building Regulations part B.
  2. Façade cleaning using low‑pressure micro‑abrasion to preserve the original stonework.
  3. Installation of seismic reinforcement to safeguard the historic timber frame.

  phase 2 – Interior upgrades

  • Climate control system: state‑of‑the‑art HVAC maintaining 18‑22 °C temperature and 45-55 % relative humidity for optimal ceramic preservation.
  • Lighting redesign: LED track lighting featuring adjustable colour temperature to highlight glaze details without UV damage.
  • Accessibility improvements: ramps, tactile floor indicators, and an audio‑described tour guide system for visually impaired guests.

  Phase 3 – Visitor experience enhancements

  • New interactive digital kiosks that allow users to explore the pottery-making process via augmented reality.
  • Expanded educational workshop spaces for school groups and community classes.
  • Dedicated gift shop showcasing local ceramic artisans and museum‑branded merchandise.

  Funding breakdown & community support

  Source	Amount	Allocation
  National Heritage Lottery Fund	£3,200,000	Structural & climate works
  Cornwall Council	£750,000	Accessibility & public programmes
  Private donors & St Ives Pottery Trust	£500,000	Exhibition design & marketing
  Volunteer fund‑raising events	£50,000	Minor restoration tasks & community outreach

  The museum’s donor wall will feature the names of contributors, reinforcing community ownership of the project.

  Practical tips for visitors during restoration

  • Check the phased reopening schedule on the museum’s official website before planning a trip.
  • Pre‑book tickets through the online portal to secure entry during limited‑capacity periods.
  • Use the temporary exhibition spaces on the museum lawn, which remain open throughout Phase 1.
  • Take advantage of the guided tours that now include behind‑the‑scenes updates on the restoration work.

  Expected outcomes & long‑term benefits

  1. Extended artifact lifespan: Proper humidity control can add up to 30 years to the preservation window of delicate ceramics.
  2. Increased attendance: Projected 12 % rise in weekend footfall during the first year after full reopening.
  3. Economic ripple effect: Boost to local hospitality businesses, with an estimated £1.8 million injection into the St Ives economy.
  4. Educational impact: Expanded workshop curriculum aligned with the UK’s National Curriculum for History and Art.

  Real‑world example: Comparable museum renovation

  The Royal Cornwall Museum completed a £4 million refurbishment in 2022, resulting in a 20 % visitor increase and a triumphant application for an additional Arts Council England grant. The St Ives pottery Museum is modeling its restoration plan on this proven framework, ensuring both heritage conservation and modern visitor engagement.