Glaze Alchemy is inspired by the Pottery’s current exhibition ‘Emmanuel Cooper: Connections & Contrasts’ which runs parallel to this show until 6^th September. Dr Emmanuel Cooper OBE, 1938-2012, was a distinguished craftsperson, curator, writer, lecturer and broadcaster and was the founder and editor of one of the world’s leading craft magazines, Ceramic Review. Connections & Contrasts examines his work and career in the context of his relationship to Bernard Leach and celebrates Cooper’s place in the story of studio ceramics.

Glaze research and development was a central focus of Emmanuel Cooper’s practice, and Glaze Alchemy presents new pieces by makers whose works explore different aspects of glaze process and aesthetics. Emmanuel Boos presents a largely installation-based body of work on show near the Emmanuel Cooper exhibition in the Pottery’s Cube Gallery. Cooper served as Director of Studies on Boos’ PhD which examined the ‘Poetics of Glaze’.

New pots by Peter Beard, Katrina Pechal, Greg Daly, Linda Styles and Louisa Taylor will be on show in the Leach Pottery Gallery.Peter Beard is recognised for his complex use of wax resist and multiple glazes, built-up in layers prior to firing to create textural surfaces in a range of pastel shades and stronger colours; Katrina Pechal’s distinctive work is defined by striking, matt volcanic glazes; Australian potter Greg Daly’s work displays his astonishing mastery of lustre glazes; Cornish potter Linda Styles works with glaze in a bright and expressive manner to produce vibrant pieces that unite the qualities of both pottery and painting; and finally London based potter Louisa Taylor’s focus is tableware inspired by a subtle colour palette and the way in which domestic pottery can enhance social occasions.

All works in the Glaze Alchemy exhibition are for sale.