Potter, son of John and Maud, who was born in England. He was the brother of John Leach. Both sons served in World War I and took servicemen’s packages to immigrate to Western Australia about 1922. Leolin was in Narrogin. Nearby at Popanyinning were good kaolin deposits, which had been identified in Government research undertaken by the Geological Survey in 1917. Barker’s aunt, Maud Barker’s sister Harriet Leach had married Alan Bednall. The Bednalls and Leo Barker set up the Narrogin Pottery as a company. It is thought a legacy was used to fund the venture. The prospectus announced 'The Company is fortunate in securing the services of two such fine craftsmen as Messrs Barker Senior and Junior. They are noted for many original designs they have created including the now world famous “Alexandra Rose”’. Tall, straight-sided jugs humorously decorated with cats and the inscription 'I cum from Narrogin’ were part of the output, another had 'Never say die, up man and try’. With friction within the family, the short-lived venture failed. Barker and his wife Maree moved to Albany in about 1929.
- Writers:
- Dr Dorothy Erickson
- Date written:
- 2010
- Last updated:
- 2011
