William Marshall

William "Bill" Marshall (21 July 1923 – 5 May 2007) was an English studio potter, known for his Japan-influenced style.

Early life Marshall was born in St Ives, Cornwall, the youngest of four children. His father was a chief steward for the Great Western Railway and his mother was institutionalised from illness when he was two years old. From then on, he was raised by his grandmother and her second husband in nearby Halsetown. His cousin Kenneth Quick was also a potter, and his grandfather was a silversmith.

At the age of seven, he developed a tuberculosis illness in his legs, and he became exceptionally thin and missed large amounts of schooling. He became the first local apprentice at St Ives' Leach Pottery at the age of 14, picked by Bernard Leach's son David due to his enthusiasm and despite his physical weakness.

Personal life He married his wife Marjorie in 1951, and they had a daughter, Jill and a son, Andrew. He became a potter and assisted his father at his Lelant pottery.

Gallery of works