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Where to find the best pottery in Cornwall

Updated: Nov 28, 2025

Cornwall's Ceramics: A Journey Through 7 Must-Visit Pottery Spots

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Cornwall has a rich ceramics heritage. If you’d like to see quality handmade Cornish pottery, this county has a lot to offer. In this blog, I want to tell you about 7 of my favourite galleries, shops, and studios in Cornwall for ceramics. For each, I’ve included their postcode and what you can expect to see.


Discovering St Ives: The Heart of Cornish Pottery


You can’t go wrong starting in St Ives, the home of Cornish Pottery. Here you will find:



The Leach Pottery in St Ives is hugely influential, not only in Cornwall but across the world. Founded in 1920 by Bernard Leach and Shoji Hamada, it continues to produce beautiful handmade pots. Every year, hundreds of visitors and students come through its doors. Here, you can visit the museum, explore exhibitions, and browse the delightful shop. You’ll find Leach standard ware, inspired by Bernard Leach's legacy, and the work of individual potters.

Postcode: TR26 2HE



Another wonderful collection of Cornish and British ceramics can be found at St Ives Ceramics. Founded by the respected Cornish potter John Bedding in 1990, it showcases some of the best contemporary studio pottery. The Heritage Collection houses the work of 20th-century master potters, including well-known figures such as Clive Bowen, Svend Bayer, and Lucie Rie. The St Ives Collection features an eclectic mix of contemporary ceramic artists, including Laura Crossland, Jill Fanshawe Kato, and Richard Pethean.

Postcode: TR26 1LT


Falmouth: A Hub of Creativity


Next, head to Falmouth, where you will find:



In Church Street, the heart of Falmouth, you'll discover the delightful Poly Guild. Established in 1833, its mission is to promote the useful and fine arts, encourage industry, and elicit the ingenuity of a community known for its mechanical skill. All the artists here are local to Cornwall and handpicked. Notable ceramacists include Julia Crimmen, known for her charming animal sculptures and thrown work, and Lucie Joynes, who creates magical mythical 'hope boats'. You can also find my own popular Gilliflower Pottery range of bird-inspired tableware.

Postcode: TR11 3EG



Run by Vicki Glaister, Inspire Makers showcases some of the best arts and crafts Cornwall has to offer. Located at the top of the historic Falmouth High Street, it boasts a wonderful view of the river towards Barracks Ope. Here, you’ll find the work of both emerging and established makers. Potters include those who create functional work, like Gail Cooper and Studio Agni, as well as sculptural artists like Nicky Stone and Lucie Sivicka, who makes playful swimming-inspired dishes.

Postcode: TR11 2AB


Redruth: A Town on the Rise


In Redruth, a town that seems to be on the up, is the cheerful and inspiring:



Red is run by the irrepressible Sarah Sullivan, a potter and teacher of wheel throwing. Sarah stocks a wonderful collection of work by local Cornish potters, as well as her own beautifully carved pots and hand-built 'serenity heads'. You’ll find colourful ceramic cats by Bella Barker-Hall sitting cheekily alongside the rustic simplicity of my Fireflower range of pots in black and earth colours, and Sarah Cooling's delicate porcelain vessels.

Postcode: TR15 2BP


Trelissick: Nature and Art Combined


Not far away, toward Truro, visit:



This stunning gallery is nestled within Trelissick Gardens, a beautiful National Trust property. It is run by the Cornwall Crafts Association, which supports local craftspeople in achieving the highest level of excellence in their craft. It’s well worth a visit just for the location (and perhaps a cream tea!). You’ll find a wonderful selection of well-established potters' work on display. Well-known names include Linda Styles, Reece Ingram, Jenny Hale, and Nic Harrison, among many more.

Postcode: TR3 6QL


Fowey: A Charming Pottery Experience


Finally, head east to Fowey to see the lovely:



Potter Laura Lane has recently taken over this quaint shop just beside the river, opposite Ferryside, Daphne Du Maurier's holiday home in Bodinnick. Laura's own blue and white illustrated work is on display here, featuring pipe-smoking fishermen, seagulls, and boats in her Cornish Folk Collection. Additionally, she stocks the work of other well-known Cornish makers.

Postcode: PL23 1DE


Explore More: A Deeper Dive into Cornwall's Ceramics


This is only scratching the surface. There are so many more wonderful places to mention. If you fancy a deeper dive into Cornwall's ceramics, I recommend looking at the following websites. You’ll find many more Cornish potters, including those who open their studios for visitors:


At Gilliflower Pottery, I welcome visitors by appointment. Just get in touch to arrange a time.


I hope this has been a useful start to the ceramic treasures that Cornwall has to offer. Enjoy your journey!

 
 
 

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