Book Independent Studio Time
About this experience
If have previous pottery experience, either in our studio or elsewhere, but you're not quite ready for membership, then this option is for you. Perhaps you have a short project you need to work on, or want to independently improve on your previous pottery experience on an ad-hoc basis.
Fee: £15 per hour. This covers only your making time. This does not include the price of the clay, glazing or firing of the piece.
Our studio is a fully equipped modern, airy space in the heart of London's Design District in North Greenwich.
Requirement before booking independent time at the studio:
- To have completed at least one of the following options:
- A six-week course at Pottery Studio LDN+ Studio Induction
- Two Taster sessions, Wheel Throwing sessions + Glazing Tutorial + Studio induction.
- Long-form classes at any other studio + Studio induction.
- Sufficient experience with your own ceramics practice + Studio Induction
- To sign the studio liability form during your induction with us.
- To feel confident working without guidance and to be potentially working on your own in the studio if no-one is present.
Included:
Use of a large work bench for your scuplting or hand building projects.
Shimpo VL Whisper RK-3E pottery wheels.
Full range of tools.
Plaster board.
Our studio welcomes Independent Makers—artists and hobbyists who wish to use the studio on a flexible, pay-as-you-go basis.
What does ‘being an independent maker’ involve?
We encourage our students to book these sessions to improve their technique and learn detachment by recycling their pots at the end of the session instead of firing them!
Being an independent maker entails having access to the space to get some practice hours in! This doesn't involve any tuition or teaching and is why we ask that independent makers have some initial ceramic experience. Although there will be a technician or teacher on-site, they will be busy with other tasks and may not be able to assist you with simple, straightforward questions and/or advice.
If you wish to learn a new technique, process, or want more in-depth assistance, tuition will be the answer. Any of our staff are available for private tuition. This includes mastering centering, pulling up, collaring in, trimming, any hand-building techniques, glazing techniques and surface decoration. Any requests outside of these perimeters need to be discussed.
This is a friendly shared studio space where independent makers can thrive, learn and develop their practice. In return we ask that you know how to use the studio safely, without damaging our equipment or anyone else’s work, and that you follow all our procedures. This involves observing COSHH guidelines, keeping work moving through the studio so as not to occupy space and making work in a sustainable manner.
Available to purchase:
Stoneware clay; Starts at £10 for half a bag (just over 6 kilos) or £18 for 12.5 kilo bag.
We have a large Rohde TE300 kiln.
All firings (bisque and glaze) are charged separately by measuring the volume of your piece.
Good to know:
No storage is included in drop-in access.
If you wish to leave your work at the studio between sessions, temporary shelf storage is available for an additional fee. We charge £10 a week for a quarter shelf.
You are welcome to use your own stoneware glazes - however, please note advice below.
If the kiln shelf you use is damaged during your firing schedule, and if we are unable to easily mend it, then you will be charged for a replacement. Prices on request.
Please only use this service if you have had previous experience or attended one of our workshops or courses as these sessions are intended for independent practice.
It is important that you understand the health and safety implications of working in a pottery studio and will be given our handbook to study. Additonally, we will also give you a 15-20 minute induction prior to your first session.
You are expected to clean up your space, tools and equipment used as per our handbook and health and safety requirements.
If a date you require is not on the calendar, please reach out and we can try and accommodate you.