For adults aged 18+ | Previous pottery experience required

SUPPORTIVE SPACE

BOOK A SESSION

Choose the right space for your making. All sessions are 3 hours and suitable for adults 18+.

HAND-BUILDING

Use our studio space, tools and equipment to hand-build your own projects, at your own pace.

WEEKLY OPEN STUDIO SESSIONS

Open Studio FAQs

What is Open Studio (Clay Club)?

Open Studio is a relaxed, untaught pottery session where you can work independently on your own projects. Whether you're practising your throwing, hand-building something new or glazing your latest creations, it's a chance to enjoy more time making in our friendly studio.

Do I need pottery experience?

Yes, a little! You don't need to be an expert, but you should have some previous experience working with clay and feel comfortable using the equipment independently.

If you're completely new to pottery, we'd recommend starting with one of our beginners' courses or taster sessions.

Is there a tutor available?

Open Studio isn't a taught session, so there are no structured lessons or demonstrations. However, a studio technician will be on hand to oversee the studio and offer occasional advice if needed.

If you'd prefer more guidance, take a look at our Supported Studio sessions or pottery courses.

When can I attend?

Our Open Studio sessions run:

• Tuesdays, 2pm–5pm

• Fridays, 6pm–9pm

Each session lasts three hours, and you can book individual sessions whenever you'd like to come along.

How much does Open Studio cost?

We offer three booking options:

• Hand-building: £30 for three hours

• Pottery wheel: £35 for three hours

• Glazing: £25 for three hours

Spaces are limited, so advance booking is essential.

What's included in my booking?

Your session includes access to your booked workspace, relevant studio equipment and tools, and refreshments.

For glazing sessions, our standard studio glazes and glazing equipment are included.

Clay and firing are charged separately where applicable.

Can I bring my own clay or glazes?

We ask everyone to use studio-approved clay and glaze materials. This helps us protect our kilns, maintain consistent firing results and ensure that everything is safe and compatible with our equipment.

Please speak to us before bringing any additional materials into the studio.

Is there an age restriction?

Yes. Open Studio is for adults aged 18 and over.

We offer separate pottery courses, family workshops and creative experiences for younger makers.

How much do clay and firing cost?

For hand-building and throwing, clay and firing are charged separately at £2 per 250g of work kept for firing.

We'll explain how this is calculated during your session.

For glazing-only bookings, any additional firing charges will depend on your work and what you've already paid for, so please check with us before booking if you're unsure.

Can I leave my unfinished pottery at the studio?

We have limited storage space, but we can sometimes accommodate work in progress between sessions.

Storage must be agreed with us in advance and is subject to availability. Open Studio bookings don't automatically include dedicated shelf space.

We ask everyone to be mindful of how much work they make and leave behind, so there's room for everyone.

Can I come just to glaze my pottery?

Absolutely! We offer dedicated three-hour glazing sessions for £25.

You'll have access to our glaze room and standard studio glazes, giving you plenty of time to decorate your eligible bisque-fired pieces without rushing.

Glazing is suitable for pottery previously made at Henfield Pottery or other work we've agreed to accept in advance.

Can I use the pottery wheels during a hand-building booking?

Wheel spaces need to be booked separately, as we only have three pottery wheels available.

If you'd like to practise throwing, please select the Pottery Wheel option when booking

Do I need to book every week?

Not at all! Open Studio is designed to be flexible. You can book as frequently or occasionally as you like, depending on availability.

There's no need to commit to a six-week course.

What happens to my finished pottery?

Once your pottery has been dried, glazed and fired, we'll let you know when it's ready for collection.

Firing and finishing can take several weeks, depending on the pieces and our kiln schedule. All finished pottery must be collected from the studio.

What should I bring?

Just yourself, your ideas and clothes you don't mind getting a little clay on!

We have tools and equipment available, but you're welcome to bring your own pottery tools if you prefer.

Please tie back long hair, wear suitable footwear and allow time to clean your workspace before the session ends.