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 pottery taster days or specialist short courses.
Many Members, Many Styles
Below is a taste of the work produced by our pottery studio members. Some are just starting out, many have years of experience. We throw, mould, hand build or model in stoneware, earthenware and porcelain clays. Every piece is hand made and unique!
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’ shared clay studio 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 we share the cleaning and running of the studio and members work independently. For this reason, new members must have either completed one of our beginners’ courses or have prior experience of pottery making.
Studio members have sold work at various craft fairs and charity events. Profits are used to purchase materials and equipment for the group, or to provide workshops.
Our membership is currently full and we have a waiting list. We are happy to add names to the list but we cannot guarantee when or if a space may become available.
Taster Days and Workshops
From time to time we offer studio 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 pottery skills.
See our list of Pottery Classes
Raku firing
Taught by Neville Tatum
Hand building
Taster day
Throw Big workshop
Taught by Gemma Smale
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