About Stephen Pearce

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 and his team are currently working on developing the castle and hope to open a craft shop and learning centre. 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