in the studio

In the studio, we have six potter’s wheels, a hand extruder (which is great for handles and coiling) as well as some slab rollers. Beyond this equipment, we have plenty of tools and molds for people to use in their classes and courses. We also have many coloured slips and glazes to create beautiful surface textures and decorations. AND OF COURSE our golden retriever named Bella. Don’t worry for those of you that are wary of dogs, she’s a living rug.

before the studio

—A note from Nicky

However, it hasn’t always been this way. Before our garden studio, the mess was (not) contained to our kitchen…

It began during lockdown when I spontaneously bought an old, humongous Alsager wheel off Ebay; and where better else to install a make-shift pottery studio than in the kitchen? Maybe it was being ‘stuck -at-home’ or maybe clay is just too addictive, either-way, our clay journey begun with pulling pots and peeling potatoes.

I confess, I knew absolutely nothing about clay when I started, let alone it’s therapeutic value. But soon enough, we were all obsessed. Looking after clay inspires a parental instinct, you catch yourself checking if the clay is too wet/too hard/just right. Throwing requires patience, slowing down and repetition. And of course cleaning, the closing ritual to your practice. Clay guides you into a different headspace, a place where you can zone out from the daily hum-drum and find a flow state. Needless to say, that when the pandemic subsided and the new normal was being established, our pottery passion was here for good.

Two years later we have a shed, 6 pottery wheels, a kiln and lot of pots. I have stepped away from the classroom to teach pottery with my daughter Zoe- a very talented artist currently enrolled on a MA at the Royal Drawing School.

Alas, here is your invitation. Whether you want to pot, pinch, coil, throw, pull, wedge, knead, make or break - welcome to the world of clay and may your pottery adventure begin.

Mission statement

Our love of pottery grew from the curiosity and delight, as we witnessed a piece of mud transforming into something both beautiful and functional.

We love Thich Nhat Hanh’s mantra of No mud, no lotus; both in the literal and the metaphorical sense. Yes, without clay we couldn’t make pot. But it is also true that above all, the potting process requires patience. Clay wakes you up and slows your mind down. It is a kind of sensory meditation, and finding a flow state can be very grounding.

We are mindful that pottery, whilst wholesome in essence, is incredibly draining on energy and resources. So, embracing the ethos of cleaning Guru Mary Kondo, that unless it sparks joy, it might be better not to fire it. By letting it go, the clay can be reclaimed and will eventually become another pot again. We believe there is as much joy in the tactile experience- enjoying the process- without expectation.