Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about Henfield Pottery

Thinking about joining us for a pottery class, trying the wheel for the first time or bringing the family along for a little creative fun?

We've put together answers to some of the questions we're asked most often.

Whether you're completely new to pottery or have been working with clay for years, we want you to feel comfortable and confident about visiting our studio.

If there's something we haven't covered, please get in touch. We're always happy to help!

About Henfield Pottery

Where is Henfield Pottery located?

Henfield Pottery is an independent pottery studio in the village of Henfield, West Sussex.

You can find us at:

Henfield Pottery
Unit 4A, Vinalls Business Centre
Nep Town Road
Henfield
West Sussex
BN5 9DZ

Our studio is tucked away in the right-hand corner of the business centre, so we're a little hidden from the main entrance.

If you're visiting for the first time, please allow a few extra minutes to find us.

What pottery classes do you offer?

We offer a range of pottery classes, courses and creative experiences for beginners and more experienced makers.

Our studio offers wheel throwing, hand-building, one-off pottery experiences, family workshops and private tuition.

We also run Clay Club, an independent studio session for people who want to continue developing their pottery skills.

Throughout the year, we offer seasonal workshops and special events, including family activities and creative sessions for adults.

You can explore our available classes, upcoming workshops and booking options on our Learn Pottery page.

Do I need any previous pottery experience?

Not at all!

Many of our students have never worked with clay before, so there's absolutely no need to worry about being a beginner.

Our beginners' courses and introductory workshops are designed to guide you through the process, helping you learn new skills and build confidence as you go.

If you already have some experience, we also offer improvers' courses and opportunities to develop your own work.

Who runs Henfield Pottery?

Henfield Pottery was founded by ceramic artist Kayleigh Peters, who holds a First Class BA (Hons) degree in 3D Design and Craft from the University of Brighton.

Kayleigh has experience working with ceramics through her own artistic practice and producing work commercially for other artists and businesses.

Alongside our teaching team, she offers practical guidance in a relaxed and supportive studio environment.

Our aim is to create a welcoming space where people can learn, experiment, make mistakes and enjoy working with clay.

What facilities does your pottery studio have?

Our studio is equipped for a range of ceramic techniques and creative projects.

We have three Shimpo pottery wheels, dedicated hand-building tables, a slab roller, two ceramic kilns, a glaze room and a range of pottery tools and equipment.

There's also a separate break room where you can enjoy a cup of tea or coffee during your visit.

Whether you're learning to throw your first bowl or developing a more ambitious hand-built project, we have the facilities to support your creativity.

Pottery Classes and Courses

What is the difference between wheel throwing and hand-building?

Wheel throwing and hand-building are two different ways of making pottery.

Wheel throwing involves using a rotating pottery wheel to shape clay into forms such as bowls, cups and vases.

Hand-building involves working directly with clay using techniques such as pinching, coiling and slab building. You can make everything from mugs and dishes to decorative objects and sculptural pieces.

Both offer plenty of creative possibilities, and you don't need to learn one before trying the other.

If you're unsure which you might enjoy, get in touch and we'll help you find a suitable starting point.

Do you offer beginners' pottery classes in West Sussex?

Yes! Our beginners' pottery courses take place at our studio in Henfield, West Sussex.

Our six-week Beginners' Wheel Throwing Course introduces you to working on the pottery wheel, including preparing and centring clay, developing basic forms and learning the foundations of throwing.

Our six-week Beginners' Hand-building Course explores different ways of creating pottery without using a wheel.

Both courses are designed for people with little or no previous pottery experience.

How long are your pottery courses?

Our regular pottery courses run for six weeks, with one teaching session each week.

Each session lasts approximately two and a half hours, giving you 15 hours of tuition across the course.

We also offer shorter workshops and one-off pottery experiences for anyone who would prefer to try pottery without committing to a full course.

How much do pottery classes cost?

Our regular six-week beginners' pottery courses are priced as follows:

Beginners' Hand-building Course: £315 per person.

Beginners' Wheel Throwing Course: £345 per person.

We also offer improvers' courses, one-off workshops, private tuition and creative experiences for couples, families and groups.

Prices vary depending on the type and length of the session.

Please visit our Learn Pottery page for current course information, availability and booking options.

How many people are in each pottery class?

We keep our class sizes small so everyone has the opportunity to receive support and guidance.

Our regular wheel throwing courses have a maximum of three students, with each person working on their own pottery wheel.

Our hand-building courses accommodate up to eight students.

This allows us to provide individual attention whilst maintaining a friendly and sociable learning environment.

How do I know whether to book a beginners' or improvers' course?

If you've never tried pottery before, or have only attended a couple of introductory sessions, our beginners' courses are a good place to start.

If you've already developed some basic skills and would like to build on them, an improvers' course may be more suitable.

For wheel throwing, we would usually expect someone joining an improvers' course to have some experience centring clay and making simple forms with a degree of independence.

For hand-building, our improvers' courses are designed for people who already have some experience of working with clay and would like to develop their techniques and ideas.

If you're unsure, just send us a message and tell us a little about what you've done before.

We can help you find a course that suits your experience.

Can I try pottery without signing up for a six-week course?

Absolutely!

We offer a range of one-off pottery experiences and introductory sessions for anyone who wants to try working with clay.

You can explore wheel throwing, try hand-building or enjoy making something creative with a friend or family member.

Our one-off sessions are also a lovely option if you're looking for a different kind of date night, birthday experience or creative activity.

Take a look at our Clay Experiences page to see what's coming up.

Do you offer private pottery lessons?

Yes, we offer private pottery tuition tailored to your interests, experience and creative goals.

Whether you're a complete beginner hoping to learn the basics or an experienced maker looking to develop a particular technique, we can put together a session to suit you.

Private tuition is available for both wheel throwing and hand-building.

Our individual tuition starts at £150 for a two-and-a-half-hour session.

We also offer longer sessions and tuition packages for students who would like to develop their skills over time.

Please get in touch to discuss what you would like to learn.

Can I join a pottery course after it has already started?

If a course has already begun, please contact us before booking.

Depending on availability and how far the course has progressed, we may be able to discuss suitable options.

Alternatively, we can let you know when the next course dates become available so you can join from the beginning.

Pottery Experiences for Couples, Families and Groups

Do you offer pottery classes for couples?

Yes! Our Throw Together experience is a private pottery wheel session for two people, perfect for couples, friends or family members who would like to try something creative together.

You'll each have your own pottery wheel and receive guidance throughout the two-and-a-half-hour session.

No previous pottery experience is needed.

Throw Together costs £130 for two people.

We're also developing a range of hand-building experiences for couples and small groups, so keep an eye on our website for new workshops and upcoming dates.

What is the difference between a pottery wheel experience and a hand-building workshop?

A pottery wheel experience involves using a rotating wheel to shape clay into forms such as bowls, cups and vases.

You'll learn how to prepare and centre the clay before using your hands to shape it on the wheel.

Hand-building involves working directly with clay using techniques such as pinching, coiling and slab building.

Both offer a creative introduction to pottery, but they are quite different experiences.

Wheel throwing can take a little practice to get the hang of, whilst hand-building allows you to explore shapes and decoration without needing to master the pottery wheel.

If you're unsure which experience would suit you, please get in touch and we'll be happy to help.

Do you offer pottery classes for children?

Yes! We offer family pottery workshops and special creative sessions suitable for children.

Our family sessions are designed to give children the opportunity to explore clay, experiment with different techniques and make their own ceramic creations.

Children work alongside their accompanying adult, with guidance from our teaching team.

The minimum age varies depending on the workshop, so please check the individual event information before booking.

What age do children need to be to attend a pottery class?

Our regular studio classes and courses are generally suitable for ages 10 and over, with children under 16 attending alongside an adult.

However, we also offer dedicated family workshops for younger children.

Our Clay Play family sessions are suitable for children aged five and over.

Children must attend with an adult, who takes part in the session with them.

Please check the age guidance for each individual workshop, as some activities have different requirements.

Can we make something different from the suggested workshop project?

Absolutely! Our workshops are designed around particular projects to help you learn different pottery techniques, but there's always room for a little creativity.

If you have something specific you'd love to make, just let us know. As long as it's achievable within the session and suitable for the techniques we're exploring, we'll do our best to help you bring your ideas to life.

Some workshops have a more structured format, so if you're unsure whether your idea would be possible, feel free to get in touch before booking.

Do you offer children's pottery birthday parties?

Yes! We can arrange private pottery birthday parties at our Henfield studio.

Our children's parties involve a guided hand-building activity where everyone can make and decorate their own pottery.

We can also explore different themes depending on the birthday child's interests.

For example, we can create animal-themed or nature-inspired pottery projects, giving children the opportunity to personalise their creations.

Our standard children's pottery parties last approximately two hours.

Prices start at £240 for up to eight children, with additional places available at £30 per child, up to a maximum of 12.

All the clay, tools, colours, tuition and firing are included.

As the children will be making with wet clay, their pieces won't be ready to take home on the day. We'll look after everything while it dries, is glazed and fired, and contact you when the finished pottery is ready to collect.

Please allow approximately four to six weeks for collection.

Contact us with your preferred date, the children's ages and your approximate group size so we can discuss the options.

Can we bring a birthday cake and decorations to a pottery party?

Yes, you're welcome to bring a birthday cake and some simple party snacks.

We'll allow time towards the end of the session for cake and birthday celebrations once the clay-making activity has finished.

You're also welcome to bring decorations to make the studio feel a little more special.

Please let us know in advance so we can arrange a suitable time for you to set everything up.

Do you offer private pottery workshops for groups and businesses?

Yes! We can arrange private pottery experiences for groups, businesses and organisations.

Our workshops are suitable for team socials, birthdays, celebrations and groups of friends looking for something creative to do together.

Depending on your group size and interests, we can offer activities such as hand-building, pottery painting or themed ceramic workshops.

Private group experiences can be tailored to suit the occasion, with pricing dependent on the activity, session length and number of participants.

Please contact us with your preferred dates, approximate group size and the type of activity you have in mind.

We'd love to help you put something together!

Glazing, Firing and Collecting Your Pottery

Can I take my pottery home on the day?

Not straight away!

When you make pottery using wet clay, your pieces need time to dry completely before they can go into the kiln for their first firing.

After this, they may need to be glazed and fired again before they're ready to take home.

We'll look after your pottery throughout the process and let you know when it's ready to collect.

How long does it take for my pottery to be ready for collection?

We usually ask you to allow approximately four to six weeks for your finished pottery to be ready for collection.

Some pieces may be ready sooner, but the drying and firing process can vary depending on the size and thickness of the work, the glazing required and our kiln schedule.

We aim to have your pottery ready as soon as possible whilst allowing enough time for each stage of the process.

We'll contact you when your finished pieces are ready to collect.

Can I come back and glaze my own pottery?

Yes! For sessions where a separate glazing appointment is offered, you're welcome to return to the studio to decorate and glaze your pottery once it has been through its first firing.

Our return glazing sessions cost £20 per person.

This gives you the opportunity to choose your glaze colours and add the finishing touches to your work.

Alternatively, you can choose from our available glaze options and arrange for us to glaze your pottery for you.

We'll explain the options available for your particular class or workshop.

How do I book a return glazing session?

Once your pottery has been bisque fired and is ready for glazing, we'll contact you to discuss the available options.

You can then arrange a suitable time to return to the studio.

We offer glazing opportunities during selected studio sessions, including Clay Club, subject to availability.

If our regular evening sessions aren't suitable, please get in touch and we can discuss alternative arrangements.

Return glazing sessions must be booked in advance.

Is glazing and firing included in the price of my pottery class?

This depends on the type of class, course or workshop you book.

Some experiences include the glazing and firing of your finished pieces, whilst others offer the option to return for a separate glazing session or have your pottery glazed for you.

Our independent studio sessions have separate clay and firing charges.

Please check the individual class or workshop description for details of what is included in your booking.

If you're unsure, feel free to get in touch before booking.

Will all the pottery I make survive the firing process?

We take great care when drying, handling, glazing and firing your pottery.

However, ceramics can be unpredictable, and occasionally pieces may crack, break or change during the drying and firing process.

This is a natural part of working with clay, particularly when experimenting with new techniques.

We'll do our best to look after your creations throughout the process.

Can I have my pottery posted to me?

We currently offer collection from our Henfield studio rather than a postal service.

Once your pottery is ready, we'll contact you so you can arrange a suitable time to collect it.

We recommend bringing something suitable to wrap and transport your finished pieces safely.

Clay Club and Independent Studio Sessions

What is Clay Club?

Clay Club is our independent pottery studio session for people who already have some experience working with clay.

It provides an opportunity to develop your own projects, practise techniques and enjoy spending time making alongside other pottery enthusiasts.

Clay Club is an untaught session, although a studio technician is available to offer guidance and advice.

You can work on hand-building projects or book one of our pottery wheels, subject to availability.

When does Clay Club take place?

Our regular Clay Club sessions take place on Fridays from 6pm to 9pm.

Spaces are limited, so advance booking is essential.

We have eight hand-building spaces and three pottery wheel spaces available during our regular Friday sessions.

Please visit our Clay Club page for upcoming dates and availability.

How much does Clay Club cost?

Our regular Clay Club sessions cost:

Hand-building: £30 per person.

Pottery wheel: £35 per person.

The session fee includes access to the studio, equipment, tools and refreshments.

Clay and firing are charged separately, with pieces kept and fired charged at £2 per 250g.

You only pay the additional charge for the work you choose to keep and have fired.

Is Clay Club suitable for beginners?

Clay Club is designed for people who have some experience working with clay and can work relatively independently.

Although a technician is available for advice, Clay Club does not include formal tuition.

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

Once you've developed some basic skills, Clay Club can be a great way to continue practising and working on your own projects.

Can I work on my own pottery projects at Henfield Pottery?

Yes! Clay Club offers an opportunity to work on your own projects, explore ideas and continue developing your pottery skills.

You can use the studio's equipment and facilities to work on hand-building projects or practise on the pottery wheel, depending on the space you've booked.

Clay Club is designed for people who can work independently, although a technician is available for advice.

If you have a particular project in mind that requires specialist equipment, techniques or additional support, please contact us before booking so we can discuss what might be possible.

Can I bring my own clay to the studio?

For our regular classes, workshops and Clay Club sessions, we ask that you use clay supplied by Henfield Pottery.

This helps us ensure that the clay is compatible with our firing temperatures and studio processes.

If you're an experienced ceramicist looking for a firing service for work made with your own materials, please contact us to discuss our kiln firing options.

Do you offer kiln firing services for other ceramic artists?

Yes! We offer kiln firing services for ceramic artists and independent makers who need access to a kiln.

We can discuss bisque firing, glaze firing and kiln hire, depending on your requirements.

Before accepting work for firing, we'll need to know the clay body, glazes and firing temperatures required.

If you're using materials we haven't worked with before, we may ask to see the manufacturer's specifications or arrange a suitable test.

Please contact us with details of your work so we can discuss availability and provide the relevant pricing information.

Booking and Visiting the Studio

How do I book a pottery class or workshop?

You can book our available pottery classes, courses and workshops directly through the Henfield Pottery website.

Visit our Learn Pottery page to explore the different activities we offer.

From there, you can view upcoming dates, check availability and select the session you'd like to attend.

Some private experiences and group bookings are arranged directly with the studio, so please contact us if you're looking for something tailored to your requirements.

What if the pottery course I want to attend is fully booked?

If your preferred course is fully booked or the available dates don't work for you, please get in touch.

We can add you to our course interest list and let you know when new dates become available.

We run courses throughout the year, so there may be another opportunity to join us soon.

You can also sign up to our mailing list to receive updates about new courses, workshops and studio events.

What happens if I can't attend one of my pottery classes?

If you know you're going to miss a session, please let us know as soon as possible.

We understand that unexpected circumstances can arise, and we'll discuss what options may be available for your particular course.

Depending on the circumstances and availability, it may be possible to arrange an alternative way to cover some of the missed learning.

Please contact us directly so we can discuss your situation.

Any changes to bookings remain subject to our Booking Terms and Conditions.

Can I cancel or reschedule my pottery booking?

If you need to cancel or change your booking, please get in touch with us as soon as possible.

We understand that circumstances can change, and we'll be happy to discuss the options available for your particular booking.

Cancellations, refunds and rescheduling are subject to our Booking Terms and Conditions, so please familiarise yourself with these before booking.

Do you offer pottery gift vouchers?

Yes! Our pottery gift vouchers make a lovely present for birthdays, Christmas, anniversaries or anyone who would enjoy trying something creative.

We offer vouchers that can be used towards our pottery classes, workshops and experiences.

You can purchase a voucher without needing to select a particular class date straight away.

We also offer gift vouchers for our Throw Together pottery wheel experience for two.

Visit our Gift Vouchers page for more information and available options.

Is there parking at Henfield Pottery?

Yes, free parking is available at Vinalls Business Centre.

The car park is shared with other businesses, so it can become busy at certain times.

Please park considerately and avoid blocking access to neighbouring units.

If the main car park is full, nearby on-street parking may also be available, subject to local restrictions.

Our studio is located in the right-hand corner of the business centre.

Is Henfield Pottery accessible?

We want everyone to feel welcome at Henfield Pottery.

Our studio is accessible, although there are some limitations within the wider business centre that are important to be aware of before visiting.

The toilet facilities are located separately from the studio, across the business centre, and there is a step at the toilet entrance.

If you have any mobility requirements, accessibility needs or would benefit from additional support during your session, please contact us before booking.

We'd be happy to talk through the facilities and discuss what would make your visit as comfortable as possible.

What should I wear to a pottery class?

We recommend wearing comfortable clothes that you don't mind getting a little muddy!

Clay usually washes out of clothing, but we can't guarantee that it won't leave marks.

Flat, closed-toe shoes are recommended, particularly when working on the pottery wheel.

If you have long hair, please make sure it's tied back.

Shorter fingernails can also make working with clay easier, especially when learning to throw on the pottery wheel.

We'll provide the tools, equipment and clay you need for your session.

What time should I arrive for my pottery class?

Please aim to arrive approximately five to ten minutes before your session is due to begin.

This gives you time to find the studio, settle in and get ready to start.

As our sessions include time for cleaning and tidying away equipment, arriving on time helps everyone enjoy the full making experience.

Can I come and look around the studio before booking?

If you'd like to see the studio before committing to a course, please get in touch.

We'd be happy to arrange a suitable time for you to pop in, have a look around and discuss the classes or studio facilities.

As we regularly have teaching sessions taking place, please contact us before visiting so we can make sure someone is available to welcome you.

Still have a question?

If there's something you'd like to know that we haven't covered, we'd love to hear from you.

Whether you're choosing your first pottery class, arranging a birthday party or looking for somewhere to continue developing your ceramic skills, please feel free to get in touch.

Email: hello@henfield-pottery.co.uk

Or visit our Contact page to send us a message.

We look forward to welcoming you to Henfield Pottery!