Stephen began his apprenticeship
under his father Philip Pearce in 1962, when
he helped develop the Shanagarry range of earthenware.
Today that striking and distinctive black and
white design is recognised around the world
and demand for it has increased consistently
over the years since it was first produced.
In 1963 Stephen travelled over-seas. He first
broadened his knowledge and experience working
under Ray Finch and Sid Tustin at Winchcombe
Pottery in England where he also worked with
Michael Casson. Then to France where he worked
for Gwyn Hansen. In 1966 he won a year-long
scholarship to study in Japan under master potter
Kanhesaige Toyo.
The following year Stephen
hitched back through Asia and Europe to London
where he started making his own pottery. He
also became involved in the thriving London
music scene.
In 1971 he returned to Cork and
resumed working with his father while formulating
plans for his own pottery. Construction began
on Stephen Pearce in 1973. Stephen's simple
and functional design philosophy soon led to
the creation of his Traditional range of earthenware
in terracotta and white. The simplicity and
beauty of these pieces quickly earned them critical
acclaim as design classics which have remained
in style and demand ever since.
In 1991 Stephen took over the
running of Shanagarry Pottery from his father
and soon realised that demand was exceeding
capacity to supply. So he purchased the ruins
of Shanagarry Castle and its grounds which had
been the ancestral home of the founder of the
state of Pennsylvania, William Penn.
In 1993,
a new 12,000 square foot facility was opened.
It includes the pottery and workshops, a café,
a gallery and an extensive store. Visitors are
welcome to visit all year round as we only close
on Christmas Day.
Stephen's enthusiasm and wide
ranging interests continue to bring benefits
to the locality and the country. He has planted
the first Beech maze in Munster and has acquired
marshland around Shanagarry to develop as an
educational nature reserve.
The artistry evident in
his design work has more recently been given
new and free expression in the Paintings
by Stephen Pearce aswell as his new range of Bedlinen
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