Throw Down: The Best Pottery Classes In London

In the relentlessly connected times in which we live, it pays to slow down, switch off, and getting lost in a hobby. If it can be scheduled in once a week (or more frequently), then all the better. And, to our minds, there are few activities better suited to completely escaping the bleeps of phones and the ding-ding-ding of new emails pouring it than burying hands into clay (there’s no question of picking up devices with such messy digits) and making something you can take home with you. If you fancy yourself the next Edmund De Waal or Grayson Perry, a pottery class is a pretty good place to start. Happily, excellent ones abound in the capital – such as these, our top six.

SkandiHus

Forget ideas of schlepping down to dreary community centres to get your ceramic kicks. SkandiHus has two studios – one in Walthamstow, two in Hackney – and, after taking a course (six, eight or twelve-week ones are available), you will be hooked not just on pottery but on the sublimely stylish world created by founder, Stine Dulong. Conde Nast Traveller calls these ‘the best pottery Cclasses in London and beyond.’ Book a class here.

The Kiln Rooms

With three venues across Peckham Levels, Copeland Park and Bellenden Road, the clay-curious can choose from 12-week beginners or intermediate courses (£340, excluding materials), while taster and private session are available too. Additionally, there are evening and weekend classes on offer – but the thread that runs throughout is the wealth of professional ceramicist advice on hand to mine. Book a class here.

Social Pottery

Wheel-throwing, hand-building, painting: these are the ceramic skills that the Kentish Town-based Social Pottery aims to impart to novices and more experienced hands alike. Where it differs, however, is that you can bring your own booze along to liven things up somewhat. You can choose from ‘boozy pottery painting’ and ‘late night boozy pottery painting’, making this a fun activity for a date or even a hen do, as well as for the more serious minded ceramicist. There are also pottery masterclasses available (£40 for two hours) and sessions for children too. Book a class here.

Crown Works Pottery

This east London pottery studio near Cambridge Heath is tucked away in a Victorian mews which, we think, all adds to its charm. You can choose between hand-building classes (from £130), throwing on a wheel (from £60) or ‘ceramic chemistry’, an introduction to glaze chemistry (£220). At the helm is potter Giulietta Hextall, whose USP is to run the studio as both a school and a professional members studio. There are no more than ten students per session, and each class is run by a professional potter. Book a class here.

Ceramics Studio Co-op

This studio in Deptford, which opened in 2014, runs courses for adults-only in six-week blocks, while providing technical support to its students. As suggested by its name, it is a co-operative, and all the artists who work and teach here are also part owners of the business. You can choose from kiln-training, throwing and glazing classes – or opt for the People’s Pottery class (£232 – £457), of which they say, ‘People’s Pottery class is all about feeling well and making ceramics in a sociable and creative environment. These sessions are designed to be comfortable for all, and participants are encouraged to work at their own pace. It’s a good place to try out or improve all the basic techniques of ceramics making. All levels of experience are welcome.’ Book a class here.

Turning Earth

Turning Earth runs four studios across Hoxton, Highgate, Tottenham and Leyton. The idea is that they are open for all, from seasoned professionals to absolute beginners. There are classes as well as open-access membership options which are, as they say, ‘like gym memberships for potters’. Book a class here.

By Nancy Alsop
March 2023