Who:
Monthly membership is designed for intermediate & experienced potters who are comfortable with independent learning and wish to immerse themselves for a few weeks/months in a working pottery studio. We have space for up to x4 members per 10-5pm slot and x3 members per 5-8pm slot.
What:
Come and go access to the facilities between the hours of 10-5pm or 5-8pm on the selected day(s) of your monthly plan. Bookable via enquiry only.
When:
Daily Access (Wheel Studio):
Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturday’s and Sundays. 10-5pm
£35 per session / £140 per month (1 day per week).
£22.5 per session / £180 per month (2 days per week).
£16.6 per session / £200 per month (3 days per week).
£35 per day for any day of the week outside your agreed upon plan that you wish to add on.
Evening Access (Wheel Studio):
Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, 5-8pm
£20 per session / £80 per month / Fixed price.
Daily Access (Hand-Building Studio):
Thursdays 10-5pm
£35 per session / £140 per month (1 day per week).
£35 per day for any day of the week outside your agreed upon plan that you wish to add on.
Evening Access (Hand-Building Studio):
Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, 5-8pm
£20 per session / £80 per month / Fixed price.
Access code:
The access code to the building front door is 1524. The painting studio access is closed on Monday’s so you will need to use the front door.
Hours: The time that you have paid for is yours to use. You may come and go freely within your allocated slot! It’s always great for us to know if you are planning on not attending though, so just pop us an email.
General Access:
Access is available between the hours of 10AM-5PM, or 5PM-8PM, which-ever you have booked. This is your time to use, and you may come and go as you please. Please ensure you clean up and return the space by the end of your session and no later. See cleanup guide below.
What’s Included (Hand-Building Studio Access ONLY):
Use of specific Hand-Building tools, including: banding wheels, slab harp, plaster moulds (bowl form), cylinder guides.
Shared communal table and standing workbench in dedicated Hand-Building studio.
X1 designated studio member storage shelf ( 70cmx40xcm for greenware and bisque ware only).
Firing of work (limited to items produced within the studio and constrained by your allocated shelf space).
Access to in house studio glaze & slip collection.
Tools, aprons and other creative necessities.
A full-time ceramic technician on site.
Communal tea, microwave and fridge facilities.
Guaranteed access to facilities within your allotted time, no negotiation over equipment with other members!
What’s Not Included (Hand Building Studio Access):
Unlimited storage space.
Ability to store or fire large scale work that exceed the dimensions of 30cm(width) x 40cm(height).
Clay, which can only be bought directly from us. If you wish to work with a particular clay that we use in the studio other than our standard stoneware , please let us know and we will discuss options with you.
Access to the kiln to fire your work. This will be done by our technicians only.
Tuition or practical guidance/assistance.
Bat systems, aggregates, pigments, oxides, underglazes.
Payments:
You will be sent an invoice via email on the 25th of each month to pay for the month ahead. This is due to be paid by the 29th of the month and no later. If we do not receive a payment from you, we will contact you again with a reminder. If we receive x3 late payments from you, we will need to discuss your membership. If you are having trouble processing a payment, please let us know ahead of time and we can discuss options/flexibility for you.
Cancellations:
If you intend to cancel your monthly membership, we require one month's written notice. We will then provide you with an exit date and cease billing for the following month. Cancellations take effect at the end of the current billing cycle, (eg: If you wish to cease membership at the beginning of December, we ideally need to know at the beginning of November). If you issue a leave request during a month that you have already been billed for, we cannot offer a refund on the remaining access.
Suspension:
If you intend to suspend your membership, for example if you need to go on holiday or would like to take a break, you can do so for a minimum period of three months and a maximum of six months. These suspension periods need to be consecutive and in line with your membership plan. We will remove these dates from your diary and cease billing for this period. Please give us one month's written notice or else we may not be able to grant suspension.
Rescheduling:
We cannot reschedule sessions if you are unable to attend. Much like any membership to a facility, your attendance to your agreed upon plan is your responsibility. We understand that there may be instances of illness, plans, or work commitments that mean you can no longer make use of the time you have booked, however we do not have the ability to offer alternative sessions. Swapping a session with another member that is in the same position as you is permitted and we recommend that you reach out to your fellow members privately should this sound like a good solution to your situation. If you do intend to swap a session(s) with another member, please inform us via email.
External Billing:
We carefully monitor all membership billing and take responsibility for invoicing each member every month. We do not permit external billing between members. For example, if you are unable to attend one of your sessions you are more than welcome to organise a swap, however please do not request private payment from another member for your membership time. We need to ensure our system is monitored by us and is fair for everyone.
The studio is a fun place to be, where you can create beautiful and one of a kind pieces. However, it is important to be safe while in the studio to keep yourself healthy down the road and prevent health problems that could have easily been avoided from developing. It is your responsibility to take on board the information and instruction provided to you to ensure the safety of yourself and others.
Silica Dust & Cleaning -
Silica dust from clay is a health hazard and the cleaning of the studio needs to be done in such a way that minimises any dust becoming airborne. When cleaning surfaces, floors, tools and equipment the surfaces should always be dampened beforehand. Never use a dustpan and brush or regular floor brush and instead use damp cloths, sponges, or a mop. If at any time you do need to use a dustpan and brush, always wear a respirator mask.
Silica Dust & Fettling -
Work should not be fettled when it is in the bone dry state. If it is, submerge the piece in water or spray before fettling. Place a damp towel, piece of blue roll or cloth under where you are fettling to ensure the clay dust is caught.
Silica Dust & Sanding -
Never sand bisqueware without dampening both the sanding block and the surface of the pot. Even when doing so, wear respiratory protection.
Glaze Material Dust & mixing -
Whilst we do not permit the mixing of glazes by members, the following precautions are important to note.
Always wear respiratory protection.
Always wear gloves.
Place dry material into liquid to dampen the dispersion of powder.
Place the lid of the bucket over the mixed material immediately to avoid particles and vapor rising.
Open all windows and doors fully.
Clean the table of powder fully after mixing.
Do not eat, drink or smoke before washing your hands thoroughly.
Keep your area small. Do not carry powders across the studio.
Do not mix glazes without glove protection.
Chemical Storage -
All raw materials should be stored appropriately in sealed, labeled buckets. Do not store these buckets anywhere other than their designated place. Unless prompted, members, staff members that are not management or glaze tech should not be accessing raw glaze materials.
Glaze Materials -
There are certain glaze materials that are more corrosive than others. When working with cobalt, copper, manganese, lithium, barium and cadmium, always wear gloves, wash hands regularly, do not touch your face or eyes and work in a well ventilated area.
Sedimentation -
Do not put your hands in the sedimentation system. Only staff members can do so.
Kiln -
You are under no circumstances permitted to access the kiln or touch the kiln. Only staff members can do so.
Electrical Outlets -
Do not touch the plug sockets with wet hands. Please avoid plugging and unplugging appliances where possible.
Electrical Equipment -
Always ensure any device that you have turned on is turned off when not in use. This includes the heat gun, kettle, pottery wheels, radiators, fans, lighting, blenders and any other appliances.
Electrical Radiators -
Do not place items on the radiators to dry or place wooden furniture or flammable items near the radiators.
Power Tools -
You are not permitted to use any other power tools within the studio with the exception of the heat gun.
Heated Tools -
Use tools such as the heat-gun with extreme care. Do not rest the gun inappropriately on any surface. Avoid picking up the gun carelessly as you can burn yourself. Always replace the heat-gun once cooled to the place that you found it.
Lifting & Reaching-
Do not lift heavy items by yourself without being overseen or joined by another person. This includes bags of clay, equipment or glaze material.
Do not attempt to lift shelves of work by yourself should you feel that they are too heavy.
Do not stretch to a position that is uncomfortable to move items when they are on high shelves.
Do not use ladders without assistance.
Cuts & Scrapes -
Should you cut yourself in the studio, please use the items provided in the first aid kit which is stored in the office to clean and protect the area.
Always report any incidents wherein you have cut yourself to a member of management.
Sharp Tools -
Sharp tools such as the knife tools, metal kidneys and pin tools should always be washed with care and stored face down in the draining board or tool holders. Ensure they never remain at the bottom of a bucket or are placed into the reclaim. Be careful when you are using these tools as they can cause injury.
General Storage -
When storing and processing classwork, or your own work, be wary of how much weight you are putting on the shelves. Shelf weight should not exceed 10 kg per shelf ideally.
Keeping yourself safe -
1. Wear a respirator. Wearing a respirator is very important when doing certain tasks in the studio. These tasks include cleaning dusty areas, mixing glazes, mixing clay, handling and using toxic liquids, and measuring powders. A respirator can help prevent particles that become airborne during any of these tasks from getting into your lungs and causing long-lasting damage.
2. Wear proper footwear. If you do not wear proper footwear, which is a pair of closed toe shoes, then serious damage can occur to your feet. Dropping tools, hot bisqued or glazed pieces, or kiln furniture can cut your feet up or even break some bones. Wearing the right footwear in the studio can help keep your feet safe and injury free.
3. Take care of injuries. Taking care of injuries is important as soon as they happen. This includes burns, cuts, and more serious wounds. Our hands and feet are very important to our craft and it is important to take care of ourselves as much as we take care of our pottery. Treating wounds and staying away from chemicals with open wounds is important to avoid infections and longer recovery times. Be sure to wear gloves if you have a wound on your hand and you are handling clay or glaze. For more serious wounds it might be best to stay out of the studio until you are fully healed to ensure that you do not injure yourself further.
4. Wash hands regularly. Washing your hands after you are done wheel throwing or glazing can be very helpful to keep your hands and body healthy. Keeping the clay on your hands can cause your hands to dry out severely and eventually crack and bleed if you do not moisturize. Keeping glaze on your hands after glazing can mean that you accidentally get glaze in your mouth or eyes, which is extremely harmful and unpleasant. Keeping your hands clean when you are not in the middle of glazing or working with clay can ensure that you do not dry out or consume anything by accident that is on your hands.
5.. Use protective eyewear. Protective eyewear is important when grinding down excess glaze. Glaze shards can fly off from the grinding wheel and end up in your eyes if you do not have protective eyewear. Face shields are also a good alternative to keep your entire face safe while grinding down the bottom of your work.
6. Keep track of your tools. Keeping track of your tools is important to avoiding possible hand injuries or tools getting into machines. Remember to check your bucket after throwing to ensure that tools and sponges do not end up in a reclaim bucket or pugmill. It is important to delicately check your bucket so you do not end up stabbing yourself with your needle tool while reaching into the bucket to grab the reclaimed clay. We recommend using a wall mounted tool mount to store your tools.
7. Stay hydrated. Staying hydrated in the studio is very important to feeling energised and awake while working. If you find yourself feeling tired or drained, then drinking water regularly out of a water flask might be able to help you. When you are dehydrated it can cause feelings of nausea, faintness, fatigue, dizziness and so on. Even if you do not feel thirsty you can be dehydrated so remember to drink water regularly.
8. Do stretches. Stretches are important to keeping our bodies healthy over time as potters. We bend over a lot from wheel throwing, wedging, working long hours on sculptures, and so on. Taking a break every 15 minutes to get up, stretch, and walk around can prevent you from developing back problems and other spinal problems down the road.
Firing:
Unlimited firing is currently included in your membership, please note that the volume of work processed it must adhere to the constraints of your shelf space. Please note that we work with a 4 week turnaround estimate currently.
Firing Restrictions:
We cannot fire any work that has been made outside of our studio as we do not have the space or kiln capacity to offer kiln hire to staff, monthly members, or the public. Please do not make work at home and bring it in, whether this be pieces you wanted to complete at home, slip casts, small hand-built work, etc.
We cannot fire hand-built or wheel thrown pieces that exceed the diameters of 50cm(H) x 40cm (W). Please be aware too that if you choose to make something this large, you may need to compromise on the amount of work you store on your shelf. In addition to this, firing large pieces through the kiln requires other large pieces to go in with it. If there aren’t other large works being made like yours, you may be waiting a few weeks-months.
We will not fire any work that could cause significant offence or upset to any other member, staff or customers. Please see our Inclusivity policy below.
Firing Timelines:
We aim to adhere to a four week turnaround for greenware and glazed items. We cannot guarantee the prompt processing of any member's work outside of this timeframe.
Firing Delays:
We will not fire any pieces of glazed pottery that have not had their bases wiped properly and the glaze residue removed, as this damages our kiln shelves and your pieces. They will be returned to the rental area to the designated shelf. Please ask a member of staff if you have any questions about this!
Clay:
Clay can be purchased directly from us. We use three cone 6 stoneware clays in the studio, those being Earthstone, Staffordshire and Studio throwing. All of these brands are different but are very close in likeness. We may have different clays in stock from time to time. Please do not bring in your own clay.
Storing your Clay:
Clay is stored underneath the large member’s wedging bench. Please ensure your name is written clearly on the underside of your bag and that your bag is
sealed tightly. We cannot be responsible for your clay drying out. Please try and store no more than 2 bags at the one time as there is not enough room for backstock of clay.
Ware Boards:
You can find these next to the sink! Please use these to place your work on when you are throwing and return them once they are no longer needed. Do not leave them on your shelf.
Reclaim:
Please use the plaster bats provided when throwing to soak up excess water and slip. Instead of piling your clay high onto this, lay it out in a thin 3cm slab and at the end of the day it should be dry enough to store back in your bag. Please do not leave your clay on the bat and ensure it is thoroughly cleaned after use and returned to dry next to the kiln. All trimmings should be emptied into the reclaim bucket in the main studio along with any failed greenware pots.
Slips, underglaze, pigments:
Regular slip, black manganese slip and terracotta are available for use, they live above the sink.
Iron spangles, underglaze paints, oxides and crayons are not included in the cost of your studio fee. Should you wish to use our supply when you’re starting out we are happy to offer use within reason, but please ask a tutor or technician and please be mindful of how much you are using. These materials are costly and are not intended to be used on the entirety of a pot! We are more than happy for you to bring in and use your own supplies provided they are compatible with the firing temperatures…just ask a tutor.
Tools, equipment:
All basic tools and equipment are included in your studio rental price and can be found on the shelf above the sink and window ledge. You are welcome to bring in your own tools but please keep them on your shelf! Please ensure ours are returned to the correct location and that they are clean. Do not leave them on the drying rack.
Glaze:
Studio rental includes the use of our studio glazes which includes 10 specially mixed glazes ranging from gloss, satin and matte finishes. For the time being, we only permit the use of these glazes in the studio to ensure our kiln is not damaged.
Should you be a long term studio member and wish to bring your own glazes in, please discuss this with the studio manager beforehand. We are more than happy to support your creative development! We just need to ensure that our facilities are not damaged. When using your own glaze supply, please ensure that you speak to a technician or tutor beforehand with regards to mixing, storing and testing on test tiles before full use.
Please glaze within the glaze area. Please do not carry buckets around the studio.
Damp Boxes:
At the end of the day, please leave your work on your shelf. The next day we will flip, name and place your work in a damp box or we will wrap it in plastic. When arriving for your open studio time, please look for your pots in the damp boxes or on your shelf wrapped in plastic. We cannot be responsible for dry pots. We do our best to ensure that every piece of work is the perfect consistency for trimming; however thick pots, thin pots, pots near a window etc will be subject to different drying times.
Heat Gun:
We have one heat gun in the studio which you can use for drying your pots should you need. It lives under the big table. Please avoid using it whilst a demonstration is taking place and ensure it is cool before placing it down on a surface. The heat gun gets extremely hot. Use it and store it with caution and do not pick it up near the metal nozzle.
Wax:
Wax can be found on the glazing station and is included in your rental fee. Please only use the hog hair brushes for using wax and ensure these are washed quickly after use.
Damaged Work:
Please note that most inconsistencies regarding your work, such as cracking, warping, or inconsistent glaze results, are not usually something we can take responsibility for. Our studio team follows strict procedures when handling your work, and there is very little contact from us that would affect the outcome of your pieces.
If anything ever gets damaged or is not in the state that you left it in, please email us directly, and we will investigate the issue for you and compensate you accordingly if it is our fault.
Safety:
You must follow the guidelines indicated to you above, in addition to any advice verbally given to you during your induction upon joining the studio. Tools, materials, equipment and careless procedure can cause injury and harm to yourself or to others. If you injure yourself whilst present in the studio, please speak to a member of the team immediately and they will provide you with assistance.
Should you need help or advice:
We are always happy to help! We want to make your studio experience enjoyable as we understand beginning to make work on your own can be scary. Questions are always encouraged.
Should you need help, please ask a designated manager or assistant on shift, not a tutor whilst they are teaching. You can find their names and times below.
Whilst we can help you if you are unsure of something relating to your studio use, we cannot guarantee advice outside of this as tuition and guidance relating to your work isn't included in studio rental! We love to help where we can and in the studio we constantly skill share, however our staff are often quite busy.
Monday: Nadia/Jenni/Rosie
Tuesday: Jenni/Rosie/Giulia
Wednesday: Nadia/Jenni/Brandon/Steph
Thursday: Brandon/Steph/Rosie
Saturday: Stephanie/Giulia
Sunday: Nadia/Murphy
Noise:
Whilst tutors are teaching, especially during the demonstration please avoid making excessive noise such as talking loudly, using the heat gun etc.
Additional members:
Please never bring friends, family or pets into the studio without discussing it with a member of management first. We are more than happy for your loved ones to pop in and see you and the space, but we are often busy with classes and tight on space! The studio has many hazards such as a hot kiln, an excessively dusty floor - which makes it an unsuitable environment for pets and children.
In addition to this, the use of the wheels to teach outside members of the public is not permitted under any circumstances.
Cleanup:
Please ensure that the following steps are followed when cleaning up...
Wheel thoroughly wiped down.
Floor around your space mopped.
Tools cleaned and placed back.
Apron returned to the pegs if clean, or placed in the blue washing bucket if dirty.
Reclaim bats cleaned thoroughly and placed back beside the kiln.
Any boards you are no longer using please clean and place these back.
Surfaces around your wheelspace are cleaned and wiped down, for example the wooden benches.
Trimming shavings should be wiped up with a damp sponge.
Storing work:
Freshly thrown pots should be placed on your shelf at the end of the day. If you do not have any space on your shelf, please consider this before making work. Your shelf should be primarily for wet work and work ready to be trimmed. Please do not leave them beside the wheel or on the workbench for one of our staff to move for you.
Greenware, Bisqueware and Fired work:
Only wet work and work that is in progress should live on your designated shelf. Once your piece is ready to bisque fire, please place it on the shelf near your area labeled ‘ready for bisque’. Once your pieces are out of the kiln, they will then move up to the ‘bisque’ shelf, with everyone else's. Finally, once your piece has been glazed please leave it on the ‘ready for glaze’ shelf.
We cannot be responsible for getting your pieces through the kiln for the timeframe that you would like. We try our best to make sure that all classwork and studio rental work is put in the kiln within the same week that it is made, however drying times, busy schedules, staff absence can affect this.
Should you be unable to locate your work when you arrive, that’s probably because it is either in the kiln or hasn’t been processed from leaving the kiln yet! We recommend getting started with something else.
Kiln Access:
All firing will be completed by the studio tutors - studio access does not include unassisted access to the kiln.
Lessons:
Lessons will be running continuously whilst you are in the studio.
Collecting work:
You can use our wrapping materials to wrap up and take your work home. Please ensure that you collect work and take it home within a reasonable timeframe. If you have finished your studio access plan and are waiting on work being fired, we will contact you when it is ready.
The Craft Pottery Studio is committed to creating an inclusive and respectful environment for everyone, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, or any other protected characteristic. We expect all participants to treat others with respect and kindness, use inclusive language and behaviour and respect different perspectives and experiences.
We prohibit the use of hate speech, discrimination, harassment, bullying, intimidation and the use of slurs, derogatory vocabulary or representation. This extends to the work you may create whilst within our studio and the misrepresentation of identities & cultures.
Please report violations to management via admin@thecraftpotterystudio.com. Violations may result in warnings, removal from classes, suspension, or termination of membership.
By using our services, you agree to abide by this policy, helping us maintain a positive and respectful community.
