Wheel Workshops (Tauranga Only)
The Pottery Studio is offering a unique opportunity to enjoy the use of kick wheel using the famous Leach wheels and we have 6 of them! perhaps more than anyone else in New Zealand. Most now will be using electric wheels but our aim is to take you back on a journey to the true artists of pottery. Make no mistake this is a rare opportunity.
How Our Workshops Work
We host multiple workshops every week in Tauranga, with sessions available on different evenings for your convenience.
Group Size: Limited to 10 people max for an engaging experience.
Who Can Attend: Join as an individual or book as a group.
Flexible Group Bookings: While individuals can attend scheduled sessions, private groups can book a workshop anytime—day or night, 7 days a week!
Pricing: $75 per person (same rate for individuals and groups).
Why not book a Wheel Party? Gather friends, family, or colleagues for a fun, unique, and fantastic experience!
A Little History of the leach Wheel
The Leach Wheel is the famous famous pottery wheel used by thousands of potters throughout the world. Bernard Leach himself was born in Hong Kong and his own work has a huge influence from countries such as Japan, Korea and China. You can still visit the leach Studio in St Ives Cornwall where he set the studio up in 1920 with other people. Lots more information on Wikipedia.
Originally designed by Dicon Nance it was then improved by Bernards son David, with his grandson Simon Leach still a renowned studio potter and teacher of pottery. He uses and actively promotes the Leach treadle wheel design in his work to this day.
The design and license to build the leach wheel was obtained by Seaboard Joinery during the 60s so they were made in New Zealand from that time. At the time they could only be purchased through them. The company was certainly around till 2016 but stopped making the wheels in the early 1970s due to a reclassification to a machine.
The Leach Wheel is now difficult to to find so we are so thrilled to be able to offer these and the wonderful cowley wheels in our Tauranga studio.