Class FAQs
Do I need experience to join a class?
No. Many of our pottery classes are suitable for complete beginners and require no previous experience.
Our Pottery Wheel Taster Sessions; our 6-week Level 1 throwing, and 6-week handbuilding courses; and Raku workshops are designed to help you learn pottery from the ground up in a supportive studio environment.
Some classes are designed for students with previous experience, such as our Level 2 Throwing Course, Masterclasses and some Skills Workshops.
Please read the course description carefully before booking to make sure the session is suitable for your current skill level.
What should I wear to class?
Pottery can be messy, so we recommend wearing comfortable clothing that you don't mind getting clay on.
We provide aprons, but clay dust, slip and glaze can still find their way onto clothing. For safety and comfort, please avoid loose sleeves, dangling accessories and jewellery.
Closed-toe shoes are recommended when working in the studio.
What’s included in the class price?
All pottery classes include:
Professional tuition from an experienced ceramic artist or potter
Use of studio tools and equipment
Fair use of clay and materials
Access to studio facilities during your class
Firing and glazing arrangements vary depending on the course and are clearly detailed within each class description before booking.
How do I book a class?
All bookings are made online through our website.
Simply choose the pottery course, workshop or taster session you'd like to attend, click Book Now, and follow the checkout process to secure your place.
As classes often sell out, we recommend booking early where possible.
Do you offer pottery classes for children or families?
No. Marsh Farm Pottery is an adults-only pottery studio and all classes, workshops and memberships are restricted to people aged 18 and over.
At present we do not offer children's pottery classes, family workshops or school sessions.
Can I buy a pottery class as a gift?
Yes. Pottery gift vouchers are available and can be redeemed against any eligible pottery course, workshop or taster experience at Marsh Farm Pottery.
Gift vouchers are valid for 12 months from the date of purchase, giving recipients plenty of time to choose a class that suits them.
What happens if I cannot attend my pottery class?
We understand that plans change, but as a small studio we need to run all classes at full occupancy to cover teacher and studio costs. Unfortunately, we can’t offer refunds, swaps, or transfers for missed sessions.
If you can no longer attend your booked Taster or Course, you’re very welcome to gift the entire Taster, Course or Workshop to a friend or family member — just let us know who’ll be coming in your place before the Taster or Course begins.
What happens if Marsh Farm Pottery needs to cancel a class or course?
While cancellations are rare, there may occasionally be circumstances beyond our control that mean we need to cancel a class, workshop or individual session. This may include tutor illness, extreme weather, building issues or other unforeseen circumstances.
If we cancel an entire course or workshop before it begins, we will offer you a place on an alternative course, workshop or taster session of your choice, subject to availability.
If we need to cancel an individual session within a course, we will arrange a replacement date so that you receive all of the tuition and studio time included in your booking. We will communicate the new date as soon as possible and work hard to minimise disruption.
We do not offer refunds where a cancelled session is rescheduled, as the replacement session ensures you receive the full course content and pottery-making experience you originally booked.
Our aim is always to make sure you don't miss out on your clay time.
Membership FAQs
What is included with a Marsh Farm Pottery membership?
Studio membership includes access to our shared pottery studio and facilities, including:
Pottery wheels
Technician kiln firing service and discounted firing rates
Studio tools and equipment
Personal storage space
Discounts on selected courses and workshops
Access to our pottery library
Free bookable mentoring and advice sessions with our Founder
Membership is designed to support those wishing to make independently outside of a course structure and want regular access to a professional pottery studio.
Are memberships suitable for beginners?
Membership is generally intended for people who can work independently within a pottery studio environment and already have a good grasp of the foundations in either handbuilding, throwing, or both.
If you're new to pottery, we recommend starting with our pottery courses and getting the foundations in place before applying for membership. This helps you develop confidence with studio processes, equipment, clay preparation, cleaning procedures and making techniques before working independently.
Membership applications are assessed individually to ensure the studio is the right fit for your experience level.
Can I try the studio before joining?
Yes. The best way to experience Marsh Farm Pottery before committing to membership is to attend our courses or workshops.
This gives you the opportunity to experience the studio environment and develop your making skills before deciding whether membership is right for you.
What pottery studio membership options do you offer?
We offer four membership tiers based on how many hours of independent studio access you would like each week:
Studio 1 – 3 hours per week, ideal if you'd like to visit for one making session each week.
Studio 2 – 6 hours per week, think two sessions per week
Studio 3 – 9 hours per week, think 3 sessions per week
Studio+ – Unlimited studio access during membership opening hours, ideal for regular makers who want maximum flexibility.
Because we intentionally limit the number of memberships available, members can enjoy flexible access to the studio without needing to book sessions in advance. You simply come and go within your weekly hours during membership opening times.
How do I book my studio time as a member?
We’ve capped our memberships so there is no booking system - you are welcome to use the studio any time when we don’t have classes on. Our current membership opening hours are…
Mondays - 6am to 11pm
Tuesdays - 1pm to 5pm
Wednesdays - 6am to 5pm
Fridays - 6am to 11pm
Saturdays - 6am to 11pm *closed for workshops 2x per month
Sundays - 6am to 11pm
Studio hours may occasionally vary due to maintenance, events or workshops.
What are the benefits of joining a pottery studio community?
In addition to studio access, members benefit from being part of a supportive community of ceramic artists, hobby potters and makers.
Membership provides opportunities for peer learning, shared knowledge, technical support, group events, pottery trips and professional development that are often difficult to access when working alone.
Can I share my membership or bring visitors to the studio?
No. Membership is personal and cannot be shared.
For insurance, health and safety, and safeguarding reasons, visitors are not permitted in the studio outside of organised open studio events.
Only registered members, students and authorised visitors may access the studio.
What is the minimum membership term?
All new memberships have a minimum commitment period of 3 months.
This allows new members time to settle into the studio, develop good working practices and become part of the community before deciding whether membership is right for them.
Notice cannot be given during the initial 3-month membership period.
How do I cancel my pottery studio membership?
After the initial three-month minimum term has ended, membership continues on a rolling basis.
If you decide to leave, you can cancel at any time by giving the required 3-month notice period.
The notice period allows us time to advertise the available space and find a replacement member. As a small independent pottery studio, membership income helps keep the studio sustainable and affordable for the wider community.
Please note: Membership fees remain payable throughout the notice period, regardless of studio usage.