Museum Interpretation and Gallery Exhibition Interpretation Design Contract: Leach Pottery Capital Programme 2024-26

The Leach Pottery, founded in 1920 by artist potters Bernard Leach and Shoji Hamada in St Ives (Cornwall), is the home of British studio ceramics.

From 2025 to 2026, it is transforming. We are looking for an innovative and sensitive museum interpretation and exhibition designer to help bring our world-renowned studio museum and working pottery to life.

You will develop an equitable interpretive design for the Leach Pottery redevelopment project, working alongside the Interpretation Lead, staff and community members alongside interpretation fit-out contractors to deliver a new and enhanced visitor experience across museum, commercial, studio, and learning spaces on site.

We work with diverse audiences and are focused on our local communities, from multigenerational families, adult learners to practicing potters. We welcome visitors from across the country and the globe. We will be open to all, supporting our audiences to be inspired, nurtured, and enriched by the Leach Pottery and its historic legacy while bringing clay to life.

This is part of a £9.6m redevelopment project funded by National Lottery Heritage Fund, St Ives Town Deal and Arts Council MEND programmes. A new Learning and Production Centre, and renovated, repaired and repurposed museum buildings will bring our facilities in line with our programmes and enduring reputation.

The design brief, timelines, and details on how to apply are in the attached to PDF. This is a unique, once-in-a-generation opportunity.

Could you help us get it right?

The closing date is Midday on Monday, 7th April 2025 The contract appointment date is Friday, 9th May 2025 This contract runs from May 2025 to November 2026.

Additional information: We have provided extensive information about the Pottery and the project and design brief.

Please make sure you have also looked at our Website before making further enquiries and only enquire by email.

We will publish all Q&As on this portal as they come in.

https://www.leachpottery.com/leach-pottery-development