New Beginnings

Hello February!

I hope you’re well.

As the days begin to get lighter and bulbs are beginning to emerge, I am beginning to feel more energized (I hate the cold) and I’m really looking forward to welcoming everyone back into the studio.

My winter break ended-up being pretty busy but I’ve managed a few trips to see friends and family, danced the night away and had an Ofsted inspection at school.

I’ve prepped the studio and (as much as I can) cleaned out the pugmill. It’s a bit like a (motorised), old-fashioned mincing machine that can reconstitute clay into something useable and reduce the amount of time and energy used for wedging. It’s a really useful bit of kit if you use just one type of clay, but if not, this particular one is a bit of a pain!

We kick off 2024…

… with a new hand-building class starting on Thursday mornings. I’d love you to join this small and friendly group if you’re free. No previous experience necessary!

Last year, we had sculptures, mugs & plates, birds, tiles, bowls etc. all being produced.

The Thursday Throwing Class is full now until after Easter. If you’re still interested, drop me a line.

Vicky with her coil-built bowl with other amazing student work.

Studio News:

Upgrading the studio continues. The kiln and venting system have been installed downstairs which will allow us to fire to stoneware temperatures should we need to. I’ve also added new heaters that may help us to stay open for slightly longer next winter.

The Masterclass Programme is starting in March with just one place available with Adrian Bates.

There are places still available on future Masterclasses so please do let any ‘potty’ friends know what we’re up to. Thanks.

April’s is with the amazing Linda Bloomfield on ‘Special Effect Glazes’.

Memberships are now open and I’ll be looking for a teacher for Wednesdays if you know anyone who might be interested. I will also be needing a technician (in exchange for studio time) as more people get creative in the studio. I do already have some interest in this but there’s always plenty to do and I need to carve out a little time to make too!

Adrian Bates

Back by Popular Demand! - I’m delighted to announce that Allie Sylvester will be running a ‘Painting in Gold Leaf’ workshop on Saturday 27th April. This will be a real treat.

Allison Sylvester

COLLABORATION:

Alison West and Abigail Higgins run Raku Firing Workshops in Christow. This method of firing requires thermal shock resistant clay. Ashraf Hanna clay is available to by at the studio and can be biscuit-fired ready for your course.

GIFT VOUCHERS continue to be very popular gifts. If you have received one, make sure you get in touch as some events are already fully booked.

CURRENT SCHEDULE: BOOKING LINK

SPRING CLASSES

• 6 Week Class Starts Thursday 22nd Feb 1 0 am - 1pm (£198)

• 6 Week Throwing Class (Max 5 students) Starts Thursday 22nd Feb 2 - 5pm (£252)

SUMMER

• 12 Week Class Starts Thursday 18th April 10 am - 1pm (Not 30th May) £378 (3 x £126 installments possible)

• 12 Week Throwing Class (Max 5 students) Starts Thursday 18th April 2 - 5pm (Not 30th May) £486 (3 x £162 installments possible)

  AUTUMN

• 12 Week Class Starts Thursday 5th September 10am - 1:00pm (Not 31st Oct) £378 (3 x £126 installments possible)

• 12 Week Throwing Class (Max 5 students) Starts Thursday 5th Sep 2 - 5pm (Not 31st Oct) £486 (3 x £162 installments possible)

WORKSHOPS

Allie SYLVESTER - PAINTING ON GOLD LEAF April 27th 10 - 1 (£85)

KATE TOMS – NEEDLE FELTING MASTERCLASS May 25th 10.30 – 4.30 (£110)

THROWING TASTER 10.30 - 1pm  (£65.00)

·       Sat 16th March

·       Sat May 18th

·       Sat Sep 14th   

CLAY EXPERIENCE DAY 10:30 - 4:30 (£110.00)

·       Sat Apr 13th

·       Sat Jun 8th

·       Sat Jun 29th   

MEET & MAKE Sessions 10:30-12:30 (£40.00)

·       Banter & Bowl / Plate Sat 9th Mar

·       Cake & Cup / Mug Sat 15th Jun

·       Tea & Tealight /Lantern Sat 6th Jul           

THROWING CLINIC 10.30 - 1pm (Max 3) (£85)

·       Sat Feb 24th

·       Sat May 11th

·       Sat Sep 21st

PRACTISE SESSION 10:30 - 1pm (£40.00)

·       Sat Feb 24th

·       Sat May 11th

·       Sat Sep 21st

·       Possible spaces on: Sat Mar 16th , Sat May 18th & Sat Sep 14th  - please email for availability.

CHRISTMAS HANGING DECORATIONS 10:30 - 12:30 (£65.00)

·       Tues 5th Nov

·       Sat 9th Nov

MASTERCLASSES 2024

• ADRIAN BATES - Larger Sculptural Pieces 23rd-24th March

• LINDA BLOOMFIELD - Special Effect Glazes 20th-21st April

• KATE TOMS - Needle Felting Masterclass 25th May

• JILLY RUSSELL - Throwing in Porcelain 22 -23rd June

• JUSTINE ALLISON - Fine Porcelain Hand-Building 13th-14th

• CHRIS KEENAN - Form Function and Family 10th-11th August

• SABINE NEMET - Altered thrown Forms 30th Aug - 1st Sep

• REV JANE SHEPPARD - Handbuilding Masterclass 28th – 29th Sep

BESPOKE SESSIONS:

Email hello@vessel-ceramics.co.uk to enquire about bespoke / family / group sessions.

MEMBERSHIPS:

Three or six monthly Tuesday or Friday Hub Membership gives full studio access, one designated day a week. £365/£690

Full Hub Membership gives full studio access within studio opening hours (closed Sun, Mon & Tues am). One, three, six and twelve month memberships available. £220 - £2380

Maker in Residence Membership £3,970 Annually

Email hello@vessel-ceramics.co.uk to enquire about availability.