After an apprenticeship at the Leach Pottery, Ian Steele returned to Canada in 1970 and set up his pottery on the east cost of Vancouver Island. However by the late 1970’s the Steele and his wife Barbara decided to move back to England where he set up his second pottery, this time in Chudleigh, Devon. Steele potted here for more than 30 years making simple, elegant ceramics true to the Leach Hamada tradition.

Steele carved this jar in eight equal facets, each slightly concave and with a flare at the bottom. The glazes appears to be a combination of an iron-oxide stain and a wood ash glaze. In combination with the iron-rich, grogged clay body this pot is a fine example of late 20th century English studio pottery.  

There is a very fine firing crack on the inside rim (see detail photo) but otherwise is in perfect condition.