In conversation with: Roelof Uys - Online via Zoom

Our gallery director Claire Pearce will be in conversation with Lead Potter of the Leach Pottery, Roelof Uys, discussing what led him to the Leach Pottery and the important role he holds of carrying forward it's legacy. The talk will be hosted amongst the exhibition 'Leach 101' and will open up to a Q&A afterwards. 

Roelof Uys studied art at East London Technical College in South Africa. He founded his first ceramics studio in Limpopo province in 1992, where he collaborated with potter Solomon Matatoko. He went on to work in Kynsna as  a resident potter at Bitou Crafts, founded by Clementina van der Walt. Roelof then started his own production pottery in Cape Town, where he served on the committee of the Western Cape Potters Association.

Roelof moved to the UK in 1998, where he worked as a studio potter in the Gaolyard Studios, St Ives. He took up his role as Lead Potter at the Leach Pottery in 2013.

‘It was a great honour to be offered the roll of Lead Potter here at the Leach. I hope to continue working in a tradition that has influenced and inspired so many artists from all over the world. I am always mindful that I stand on the shoulders of giants.’