Lydia glazing

Experience the joy of working in clay

Thaxted Potters is a welcoming studio space for amateur potters. Members share their skills, the studio upkeep and a love of clay. From time to time we run taster days or specialist short courses.

Many Members, Many Styles

This is just a taste of the work produced by our members. Some are just starting out, many have years of experience. We throw, mould, hand build or model in stoneware, earthenware and porcelain. Every piece is hand made and unique!

Raku fired pot by Louise Bowett

Raku fired pot by Louise Bowett

Candlesticks by Annabel Ward

Majollica bowl by Anne Milnes

Corals pot by Jelena Mone

Mugs by Barbara Caley

Bowl by Angela Reed

Tiles by Sue Vernon

Raku fired pot by Claire Tancell

A Community of Clay Creatives

Thaxted Potters was set up in March 2016 to replace the adult education pottery facility lost at Clarence House, Thaxted. This was made possible by equipment gifted by Essex County Council, funding from various sources and support from founding members. We also visited the Hole in the Wall Community Pottery in Emsworth, Hampshire to explore how a ‘not for profit’ pottery club can thrive.

Our members pay a monthly fee for access to the studio and its facilities on one day each week. We do not have an instructor or technician, so members work independently and we share the cleaning and running of the studio. For this reason, new members must have either completed one of our beginners’ courses or have experience of pottery making.

We have sold our work at various craft fairs and charity events. All profits are used to purchase materials and equipment for the group, or provide workshops.

Taster Days and Workshops

From time to time we offer Taster Days to those who want to try clay for the first time. We also bring in guest tutors for specialist one day workshops to broaden our skills.

Raku firing in progress

Raku firing

Taught by Neville Tatum

Students using moulds to create dishes

Hand building

Taster day

Potters throwing large vessels

Throw Big workshop

Taught by Gemma Smale

Gervase trimming a pot

Trimming on the wheel

Members at work

Potters’ Experiences

Hear from our pottery community, as they share their creative journeys at Thaxted Potters’ welcoming studio.

Great fun today, good work Annabel & Chloe, how’s about taster day number 2?

Ian Sidebottom

Taster day attendee

I’ve learned so much from my fellow potters. Every time I come to the studio it feels like I learn something new!

Chloe Carter

Thaxted Potters member