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Trying ceramics: where can you learn pottery in Leeds?

High on my list of things which help me to slow down is, of course, making my ceramics, and I have a lot of people asking me where I’d recommend for them to learn pottery in Leeds – so I thought I’d write a blog to recommend the spots where I learned myself.

 

As well as these more established places to learn about ceramics, I’m able to offer intro sessions myself to budding potters who’d like a one-to-one session on the wheel now that I have my own studio and kiln set up – you can find out more here if you’re interested in this.

 

But for now, here are my top spots where you can learn pottery in Leeds.



A lady washing her hands in a pottery studio
The light at Sunken Studio is second to none

Sunken Studio


Sunken Studio isn’t just the largest independent ceramics centre in Leeds but in all of Yorkshire.

 

They run pottery courses, and also function as a space for ceramicists to explore their own craft by becoming members and using the facilities there.

 

As a former member of Sunken Studio myself, I have first-hand experience of the benefits of their memberships; this is where I learned so much of what I now do in my own studio, from throwing techniques to best practice for clay safety and reclaim. It’s an immersive, calm environment where you can not only learn the process of making, but establish yourself in your own craft too.


Take a look at what Sunken Studio offer on their website, or pay them a visit to get a feel for the bright, open space – it’s a real joy to be there. They’re located on Butterley Street in Leeds’ South Bank (just behind the Crown Point Shopping Centre).


Swarthmore Education Centre


Swarthmore is a centre for lifelong learning, running a whole range of classes and workshops from drama to jewellery making, and is also a great option for somewhere to learn pottery in Leeds.

 

Other than a couple of times using a pottery wheel at school, Swarthmore was where I first learned about ceramics, as I took a couple of terms of their pottery courses – a beginners’ class and then a mixed ability class – before joining Sunken Studio to spend more time each week with clay.

 

They gave a great introduction to both hand-building and throwing on the wheel, and seem to be one of the most budget-friendly options out there to learn pottery in Leeds, in a relaxed environment.

 

Have a look at the courses Swarthmore are offering at the moment on their website.


One-to-one intro to throwing at my studio


a woman encourages another woman while she makes pottery on the wheel

I’m really excited to be launching my own one-to-one teaching sessions at my studio in Kirkstall!

 

I’ll give you an introduction into the world of clay, demonstrate the basics of throwing on the wheel, and guide you through the process of making your own pots yourself.

 

After our session, I'll glaze and fire one of your pots for you and you can collect it later for you to use and enjoy at home.


I've loved the experience of teaching the skill of wheel-throwing and see others engaging with it too.

 


Feed your creativity by finding somewhere to learn pottery in Leeds


I’ve said before that pottery is by its nature a slow process, which requires you to slow down and wait. Whilst this is sometimes frustrating, I’m very grateful for this craft which forces me to leave the fast pace of life and instead focus on the slow and careful process of creation.

 

I’d highly recommend ceramics as something to invest in if you want to slow down and savour life a bit more, and hope my recommendations are helpful. If you’re looking for somewhere to learn pottery in Leeds there’s lots on offer and I’d love to hear from you if you’d like to have a go on the wheel with me!

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