Two people are working on pottery projects at a pottery wheel in a ceramic studio. There are clay, tools, and bowls on the table, with shelves and hanging plants in the background.

Open Access

Join a dedicated session to use the Mudworks pottery studio. Come along with a friend, work on a project you’ve had in mind or carve out some time, just for you to practice and develop your pottery skills.

  • These self-directed sessions are for those of you who have attended at least one beginners pottery course (at Mudworks or elsewhere), or if you 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

  • Clay, glazes and tools are included, as well as use of all our equipment including pottery wheels

  • Technicians will be on hand to show you around the studio and to answer questions

  • Use of materials is included in your booking fee, there is no additional fee for clay. We have a white stoneware clay for both throwing and hand-building, as well as a range of coloured decorating slips and stoneware glazes for you to use in your session

  • You will have access to:

    • Shimpo pottery wheels

    • Large sturdy worktables

    • Jumbo Roderveld slab roller

    • Gladstone clay extruder

    • Wedging table

    • Pottery tools and whirlers

  • Firing costs are not included in your booking fee, but you can chose to have your pieces fired in our electric kilns at an additional cost per item. Firings costs start at £5 per mug, up to glaze firing

  • We have 3 free parking spaces and bike racks directly outside the studio for your use.

    The pottery studio for these sessions is on the ground floor, with wheelchair access and WC facilities.

  • No tuition is provided on these sessions. You will need to book onto a course for tuition.

    These sessions are self-directed. Technicians will be on hand to show you around the studio.

  • Open sessions are either 2 or 3 hour slots. You can only book for the full time slot. See list of slots below.

  • We have storage allocation for open access sessions. You are welcome to store your work in progress at the studio between your sessions.

  • These sessions are self-directed. You are welcome to make anything you want to. You can spend your time throwing on the wheel, hand-building or glazing work. Technicians are on hand to discuss any ideas or answer questions.