The older of the Leach brothers and sons of Bernard LEACH, David was born in Japan and died in Torquay in Devon. Sponsored by the Elmhirst family of Dartington, he was enrolled on the Pottery Manager's course at North Staffordshire Technical College. He then returned to St Ives and married Elizabeth Facey. 

An artist potter working alongside his father from 1930-55, he was able to put the pottery in St Ives onto a more stable financial footing, producing a range of Standard Ware, and becoming a partner in the business. His three sons in time became students of their father, and in 1956 he moved to Devon and established the Lowerdown Pottery at Bovey Tracey.