Annabelle Smith: An Apprenticeship

The Leach Pottery proudly presents Annabelle Smith’s first solo exhibition, celebrating the completion of her Leach-Seasalt Apprenticeship which began in 2017 and concludes in this significant year, as the Leach Pottery honours its 100th anniversary.

Throughout her three-year Apprenticeship, Annabelle has been immersed in all aspects of the Leach Pottery Studio, learning and refining the skills of a production potter, whilst also developing her own professional practice. This exhibition showcases the culmination of her learning with a rich display of functional and highly unique work.

Annabelle confidently adapts and experiments with traditional techniques using, for example, found objects as carving tools and combining thrown pieces to produce highly tactile and characterful work. Expect an innovative range of domestic tableware such as teapots, bowls and mugs alongside more unexpected forms, from flat platters to corked bottles.

Annabelle’s training began in October 2017 with the generous support of Seasalt who funded the three-year Apprenticeship. Her training concludes in the Leach Pottery’s centenary year, establishing Annabelle within 100 years of Leach tradition; a tradition which continues to inspire and train the next generation of potters. Annabelle is the first female potter, and third overall, to complete the Leach-Seasalt Apprenticeship, through which she was trained in all elements of Leach Standard Ware production.