I have never done pottery before, what is best for me?

You can join a taster session for your first class as a one-off, or you can book onto a Beginners Course to start your pottery journey.

Can I come to an Open Session?

Open Access sessions are self-directed sessions for those who can work independently. You must have attended at least one beginners pottery course (at Mudworks or elsewhere), or have prior experience and knowledge of ceramics practices. These sessions are not suitable for complete beginners, we suggest you book a course or workshop for your first session. There is no tuition included in these sessions but technicians are on hand to show you around and answer questions. Only our Mudworks clay and glazes can be used in classes and open sessions. Open Access sessions are not refundable, but can be rescheduled. We offer bundles for regular makers with 5 or 10 session passes at a discounted rate.

What do I need to bring with me?

Bring an apron with you, or clothes you don’t mind getting messy. All tools and materials are provided for all classes and for our open access sessions. Only the mudworks clay and glazes can be used in classes and open sessions. You might want to bring a sketchbook for notes or drawing ideas throughout the course.

Do you have parking?

There are 3 car parking spaces directly outside Mudworks. We have cycle parking directly outside the studio with the space for 8+ bikes.

Do you offer private group bookings?

Yes, please fill out our contact form or send us an email to discuss your group booking. We can cater for large groups, such as team building classes, family birthdays or hen/stag dos.

What happens if I miss a session on my weekly course?

We cannot offer any refunds or catch up sessions if you miss a class. But don’t worry, your tutor will chat to you about what you missed. You are welcome to book onto an Open Access Session to finish your pieces and make up the time. Please note that these Open Access sessions do not include any tuition.

How long does the kiln firing take?

Kiln firings take 3 days for a full cycle. As your work will need to go through two firings before it is complete, the whole process can take up to 6 weeks, including drying and glazing time. We will be in touch via email when your pieces are ready to collect.

When can I collect my pottery?

Look out for an email to say that your work is ready to collection. The studio is not open to the public every day, we have specific collection times, so please get in touch with us to find out our collection times, or look out for an email after your workshop.

Can I cancel or change my booking?

Let us know as soon as you can, if you want to cancel or change your booking. This must be done in writing via email at least 14 days ahead of the course start date, in order to receive a refund (minus a 10% admin fee) or swap your booking to a new date. Within 14 days of the course or workshop, no refunds or transfers can be made, unless your place is filled by someone else. If your place is filled, you will be be able to reschedule your workshop, or use equal credit to use against another course. Please see our Terms and Conditions.

For Open Access sessions, the booking system is slightly different. You will be able to reschedule your slot until 6 hours before the session. Open access sessions and packages are non-refundable but can be rescheduled.

Do you do classes for children?

No, all of our classes are for those aged 18 years and over.

Do you offer a kiln firing service?

As part of our studio memberships you have access to our weekly kiln firing service. If you attend our Open Sessions you have access to this service as well, and can pay to have your work fired, at a cost per item. We do not have the additional kiln capacity to provide an external firing service for those not making in the studio.

I have finished a beginners course, what is next?

You are welcome to repeat courses more than once or book yourself onto one of our Improvers Courses. We also offer Open Access Sessions for those of you wanting to practice your new skills! These are bookable on a session-by-session basis, with no commitment and all tools and materials included. You’ll be using the same clay, decorating tools and glazes as on your beginners course. If you want to have anything fired, you can pay per item to have your work fired.

What does a membership mean?

We offer full-time studio memberships for independent ceramic artists who need a studio space in a fully equipped pottery studio. You can find out more details here. Memberships do not include materials such as clay or glaze, members work independently on their own projects. Alternatively, we have drop-in Open Access sessions which are self-directed sessions without the commitment of a membership, available to book here. We offer bundles for regular makers with 5 or 10 session passes at a discounted rate.