STUDIO HANDBOOK

VESSEL CERAMICS
STUDIO HANDBOOK

Updated June 2024
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Vessel Ceramics Studio is an open-access members’ ceramics studio offering professional training by exceptional teachers. We welcome everyone from beginners to professional artists.

The studio has been a working pottery for fifty years and prior to that was a joinery workshop - used whilst building local houses. The base of the makers’ table we use dates from that time

Membership is for independent clay work (you need to have done at least one beginners course) and offers flexible studio access for up to 15 hours a week.

We offer regular classes, master-classes and workshops.

Vessel Ceramics Studio is inspired by the need for well-equipped, creative maker spaces and professional ceramics training that is mostly unavailable in our current education system. It builds on a UK-wide recognition that exploring creativity is beneficial for our mental wellbeing. Social benefits of being part of a creative community include opportunities for collaboration, support and of course friendship.

The studio runs as ethically and sustainably as possible and is part of the Green Maker Initiative.

BUY LESS, BUY BETTER, BUY HANDMADE

Members will benefit from excellent facilities in a warm and encouraging maker space where social interaction with others who share a love for clay will enrich and inspire. Although some classes will be run in the studio, members will always have space to work unless there are master-classes taking place or the wheels are occupied by class/workshop students*.

What you get:

· Personal ware board

· Studio Access

· Monthly kiln firing allowance*

· House materials

· Clay and glazes

· Open studio

Costs: Membership is paid upfront monthly, quarterly or annually.

· Tuesday/Friday Hub Membership from £115 pcm

· Full Hub Membership from £198 pcm

· Maker in Residence Membership from £ 331 pcm

Tuesday/Friday Hub Membership

Three or six monthly membership gives:

• Full studio access one designated day a week between 9am and 4:30pm on either Tuesday or Friday.

• Reasonable use of house clays and glazes

• Up to 20dm3 (litres) glaze firing/month

• A personal storage shelf in the damp room (76cm x 76cm x 32cm).

Cost: From £115 per month

· 3 Months £365

· 6 Months £690 (save £40)

Full Hub Membership

Full studio access (not Mondays).

• Up to 15 hours per week flexible studio time

• Reasonable use of house clays and glazes

• Up to 40 dm3 (litres) glaze firing/month

• A personal ware board (60 x 27 cm or 100 x 19 cm)

• A personal storage shelf in the damp room (76cm x 76cm x 32cm).

1, 3, 6 & 12month memberships available.

Cost: From £198 per month

· 1 Month £220

· 3 Months £640 (save £20)

· 6 Months £1240 (save £80)

· 12 Months £2,380 (save £260)

Maker in Residence Membership (one only)

A single Maker in Residence Membership space is available at Vessel Ceramics.

Unlimited* access to the studio
A dedicated studio work area.
Reasonable onsite use of house clays and glazes.
A ware board
Shelf space
Personal storage shelf in the damp room (140cm x 76cm x 32cm).
Whole/part kiln firings to be paid for at cost.

CLASS MEMBERSHIP

Temporary membership is given free of charge for the duration of classes. Membership discounts may be available for workshops at Vessel Ceramics (where available).

Temporary members are required to observe studio etiquette and to familiarise themselves with the contents of this handbook.

CLASSES & WORKSHOPS

There is a varied programme of classes, workshops, master-classes, talks and demonstrations at Vessel Ceramics. Details of the upcoming events and classes can be found on the website but you are strongly advised to subscribe to Vessel Ceramics mailing list for advance notice and booking opportunities.

CLASSES

The classes at Vessel Ceramics cater for all abilities and cover numerous processes in working with clay including both hand building and throwing.

Class times are currently:

· Wednesday mornings (10:30 to 1pm)

· Thursday mornings (10:30 to 1pm)

· Thursday afternoons (2-5pm)

· Friday evenings (6 – 8:30pm).

Classes are generally delivered in terms 12 weekly classes (sometimes 6) with a half term break mid-term. Catch–up sessions may occasionally be available but are not ‘a given’.

Terms begin in spring, summer and September. Course fees are all inclusive of materials and firings up to 40 litres per course.

STUDIO SAFETY:

We take studio safety very seriously. The risks associated with using a ceramics studio include:

• Risk to lungs from ceramic dust

• Exposure to toxic substances

• Cuts and burns

• Risks from heavy lifting

• Slips, and trips in the studio and communal areas

To address these risks we require every studio member to be guided through a full health and safety induction before starting. Members must read this studio handbook from cover to cover and keep it to refer back to and any studio newsletters to ensure being up-to-date with any changes to studio practice.

Smoking is not allowed in the studio.

No students are allowed in the downstairs kiln room.

N.B: Ensure that you are aware of procedures in the event of a fire.

There is only one way in and one way out - meet outside in the courtyard and call the fire brigade on 999. There's a fire extinguisher at the top of the stairs and another in the damp/kiln room downstairs.

If you have a disability, in the interests of your safety:

• Please make the studio manager aware prior to working in the studio to check that we are able make appropriate adjustments.

Due to the risks associated with a working pottery, children and animals are not allowed into the studio, except during an open day or for a specifically planned activity.

Care must be taken in the studio to prevent injury from occurring. All injuries must be reported and recorded in the ACCIDENT BOOK. Located in the cloakroom next to the FIRST AID KIT.

It is a collective responsibility to keep the studio clean.

It is everyone’s responsibility to ensure the studio remains clean and serviceable. Attention to cleanliness in the studio requires individuals to know the rules and to take responsibility for cleaning their own work area as well as maintaining other collective workspaces.

Do:

· Clean up as you go. As soon as you drop clay or glaze materials on the floor or work surface it should be cleaned up immediately, before it can convert to dust.

· Spend 20 minutes at the end of every session cleaning your working area thoroughly.

· Spend 5 minutes at the end of every session cleaning a communal area in the studio.

· Deep clean your ware board once a month by removing all work and sponging off the surfaces by the sink.

· Report antisocial behaviour by neglectful members to staff.

Do not:

· Dry-brush floors with a broom unless using RPE and with the doors fully open. A mop should be used to clean up liquid spills and dry dirt should be vacuumed (with an appropriate filter fitted).

· Ignore dirt in the studio, whether created by you or not. Clean it up or ask the culprit to do so.

· Carry out any dry fettling or dust creating activity inside the studio and always wear a mask.

· Allow wheel trimmings or bits of clay to dry on the floor and be trodden to dust (prevent them from falling on the floor or collect them for recycling).

· Leave the studio before ensuring that it is in at least as clean a state as you found it.

Risk to Lungs from ceramic dust

Ceramic studios have the potential to be extremely dangerous areas. Silicon dust is a substance hazardous to health and there are maximum occupational exposure levels and an approved code of practice prescribing how the risk of exposure is to be managed.

What we do at Vessel Ceramics

· All members (including class-goers) are required to undergo a full studio induction covering Health and Safety measures. Members are also given their own copy of this handbook. Prevention is stressed in the control of dust.

· Furniture and decoration of the studio has been sensitive to the potential for dust. Minimal, wipe clean surfaces, are provided.

· Studio staff maintain clean floors and surfaces in the studio and deep clean the studio once a week. Hard to access areas (above 2.3m and under shelves/storage areas) are cleaned once a month.

· Dust prone areas are cleaned and redecorated once a year.

· Dirty towels and aprons are laundered regularly.

· Overalls and Respirative Protective Equipment (RPE) is provided for activities likely to result in dust inhalation.

· Members flouting good studio practice may have their membership revoked.

What members can do:

· Read your Studio Handbook from cover to cover to ensure you are familiar with the risks and how to mitigate them.

· Clean your work area and any other areas of the studio needing attention for at least 15 minutes at the end of each visit.

· Communicate with staff if you notice an area of the studio that requires extra cleaning attention.

· Dry fettling and sanding of green and biscuit-ware must NEVER be carried out inside the studio. Carry out any dust making activity outside or with water and always wear RPE.

· Purchase your own ceramic graded dust mask for use when you are doing any dust creating process. For example, a Force 8 P3 Respirator.

· Bring your own apron made of synthetic materials and wash it regularly. If your apron is made from natural fibres it should be washed after each use.

Never use a brush to sweep the floor - use the Dyson (HEPA Filter) or use the water spray to remove clay dust from the atmosphere and wet mop.

Exposure to Toxic substances

Ceramic studios have the potential to be extremely dangerous areas. Potentially irritating or toxic substances can form constituents of glaze and slip recipes. Controlling access to and use of these materials will treat the risk of exposure.

Members are allowed, indeed encouraged to learn to prepare their own glazes from raw materials.

What we do at Vessel Ceramics:

· Exclude known toxic substances from use in the studio, including barium and lead.

· Glaze materials are kept in airtight containers.

· Provide pre-mixed glazes so that members do not need to mix their own materials.

· Conduct all glaze mixing away from the main work area and when class members are absent.

· Provide gloves and RPE or use when glazing.

· The vast majority of our glazes are food safe. Non food-safe materials are clearly labeled.

· Glaze spraying is not currently available at the studio.

· Food storage and preparation is out of the main studio.

What members can do:

· Do not help yourself to raw materials without permission.

· When glazing or using oxides, RPE and gloves should be worn.

· Clean up any spills immediately - do not allow them to dry before cleaning.

· Thorough cleaning of surfaces must be done by first spraying and then wiping with a sponge

· Preparing glazes from raw materials must be done in well-ventilated spaces away from other studio users.

· .Refrain from eating in the studio and make sure you wash your hands thoroughly before eating.

Slips and Trips in the studio and communal areas

The Studio is a busy working environment. Spills are a daily occurrence but slips are dangerous and can be prevented.

What we do at Vessel Ceramics:

· Damp floors and slippery patches following and during cleaning and after spills are addressed immediately and appropriate signage displayed to warn of the hazards.

· Cotton based damp and dirt trap floor mats are used to prevent spills from inside and rain from outside being spread around the studio.

What members can do:

· Do not rush or hurry around in or outside the studio.

· When throwing or glazing use the trollies provided to prevent drips and spillages as dirty tools and materials are moved around the studio.

· Clean up spills immediately or inform staff of anything you are unable to clean yourself.

Wipe wet shoes carefully before entering the studio on rainy days.

Risks from Heavy Lifting

There are many heavy items in the studio from bags of clay, buckets of glaze and water to kiln shelves and large sculptural pieces of work. Lifting these items can cause injury to yourself or others or damage to the studio or work.

What we do at Vessel Ceramics:

· We provide information and regular demonstrations on lifting and preventive measures in the studio.

We provide wheeled dollies for the heavy items in the studio

What members can do:

· Follow the guidance for heavy lifting.

Ask for assistance first or leave heavy items out (with a note attached) for staff to move.

Cuts and Burns

Items such as pins, knives, steel kidneys, kilns and hot air guns can cause cuts and/or burns.

Significant threats include:

• The Kilns

• Tools and parts of tools (particularly pins and knives that find their way into the recycling bins)

• Hot air guns

What we do at Vessel Ceramics

· Maintain a regularly checked inventory of all potentially hazardous items.

· House hazardous items in carefully considered locations.

· Ensure kiln firings are carried out in off-peak times and on closed days (Mondays).

· Hot air guns are for use by hand-builders only on metal surfaces only. They are not to be used on the wheel.

· First aid kit contains burn pads.

What members can do:

· Do not use any hazardous materials without guidance.

· Do not store or use dry glaze materials in the studio.

· Do not touch the kilns.

· Ensure you carefully follow the clay recycling guidance and be careful to account for all of the tools you use.

· Always place sharp/pointed tools sharp end down in storage or draining board.

· Never leave tools in water – wash rinse & drain straight away.

· Place hot air guns carefully on their stands in places away from other studio users.

SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES IN THE STUDIO

The studio is committed to the Green Maker Initiative - we:

· Only use green energy and reduce firing temperatures and time when possible

· Limit water use

· Recycle as much clay as possible (4 bucket system when throwing & clay trap under sink).

· Don’t allow glaze materials to go down the studio sink (3 bucket system)

· Don’t allow food or drink dregs down the studio sink

· Recycle paper, metal, plastic and compostable waste.

RECYCLING CLAY

Please help us to recycle the clay you use in the studio:

· Know what clay you are using

· Use the correct tub/bin

· Be careful not to put tools in the recycling

THROWING CLAY

Dry Clay

If your clay is too dry to use, (incl. trimmings) break it up into small pieces and put in the appropriate bucket to dry out.

Soft Clay

If your clay is soft BUT NOT WET OR SLOPPY place it in the ‘Bucket of Doom’.

Throwing Slip

Pour your wheel slip and any sloppy wet clay into the ‘Slip Only’ bucket. Ensure all tools and chamois do not get into the bucket.

Slip and ‘First Rinse’ buckets are combined and left to stand before removing excess water. Please do not add new slip to a bucket which has had water removed.

HANDBUILDING CLAY

Soft Clay

If your clay is soft enough to use:

1. Knead the clay

2. Place in the correct plastic bag

Dry Clay

If your clay is too dry to use, break it up into small, thin pieces and put in the appropriate bucket to dry out.

If you are not sure PLEASE ASK!

MANAGING YOUR FIRING ALLOWANCE

Members have a firing allowance as part of their membership package. This allowance is for pots that are fired in the glaze firing. The allowance is self-regulated with members keeping track of their personal allowance and settling any excess on a monthly basis.

Allowances

Monthly Allowances:

Hub Members 20 Litres (=dm3)

Full Hub Members 40 Litres (=dm3)

Maker in Residence Whole/part kiln firings to be paid for at cost.

N.B. Work with any thickness over 1cm or weight over 1Kg will require slower / more expensive firing in which case allowance will be cut by or firing cost increased.

Any damaged kiln shelves to be replaced & damage to kilns to be paid for. Kiln loadings and firings to be supervised by Vessel Ceramics Staff only.

Excess Fees

You are welcome to exceed your allowance with the additional charges payable monthly:

Additional Litre-age is chargeable at £2 per dm3 =1000cm3 (equivalent to 10cm x 10cm x10cm) (£1.00 per half Litre) e.g. additional 3.4 Litres = (3 x £2)

+ (1 x £1.00) = £6.00* *prices subject to change

Firing charges for non-studio pots

By arrangement, Vessel Ceramics kilns can be hired to fire members pots made outside the studio. Charges are £2.50 per litre or part thereof.

Kiln hire is currently not available.

HOW TO MEASURE YOUR POTS

1. Push your pot into the corner of the measuring area. If it is wider at the top than the bottom put it upside down.

2. Read and record the width, depth and height of your pot to the nearest whole centimetre.

3. You may need to estimate to the nearest centimetre between the lines. This can be difficult if your pot is wider in the middle than the top or bottom. If this is the case use a straight edge to help take an accurate reading.

An average size of a well-made pot will use 400g wet weight of clay for classes and workshops where vessels are not measured.

4. If in doubt ask a staff member.

Keeping a record

5. Add a blank form to your clear plastic sleeve in the folder. Fill in your details

7. Take the next raffle ticket from the book (leaving the corresponding ticket in place). Every pot to be glazed will require its own ticket.

8. Record the ticket number, a brief description of the pot and its height (H), width (W) and depth (D).

9. Work out and record the volume by multiplying H x W x D and divide the sum by 1000. A calculator is provided.

E.g. For a pot with dimension H - 10cm, W - 12cm, D - 22cm: 10 x 12 x 22 = 2,640

2640/1000 = 2.64 litres or dm3

10. Record the volume in the form.

11. Add the volume to the previous total. This will indicate how many litres you have used to date that month.

In case of emergency please call 07989 887717

STUDIO HANDBOOK

VESSEL CERAMICS STUDIO HANDBOOK

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VESSEL CERAMICS
STUDIO HANDBOOK