Clay Shed

Ceramics Studio & Pottery Classes in Bristol

Clay Shed is a centre for ceramics in Bristol and the Southwest of England. Founded in 2019, the studio brings together potters, ceramic artists and makers in a collaborative, supportive community.

The studio offers memberships, workshops, residencies and events, welcoming people at every stage of their creative journey. Members share access to professional equipment, kilns and the collective knowledge of a vibrant community.

Led by three director-cofounders with over 50 years of combined experience - and supported by practicing artists and industry professionals - Clay Shed is a place to advance ceramic practice, share knowledge and support sustainable approaches with clay.

Pottery studio memberhsip, Bristol, Clay Shed, a member using clay to make a mug

Membership

  • Part time and full time membership to suit all schedules and budgets.

    • 24/7 access

    • Kilns

    • Storage

    • Mentoring

    • 10% discount on all courses and workshops

    • Opportunities to exhibit and sell work at open studio events

  • 1-4 hours per week - £95 per calendar month

    Up to 15 hours per week - £155 per calendar month

    Fulltime access with increased storage or a personal space £215 - £235 per calendar month

Pottery ceramics studio student making work during a pottery course, Clay Shed Bristol

Pottery Classes

  • Our courses run over six weeks and focus on developing skills.

    • All Levels – For complete beginners and those with experience who want to build confidence and refine their skills.

    • Beginners – A starting point for newcomers or anyone wanting to refresh the basics of throwing.

    • Improvers – For those with some experience looking to advance their throwing techniques.

  • From £215

Two women making glazes during a ceramics pottery workshop Clay Shed, Bristol

Workshops

  • Workshops are usually weekend-based sessions, designed to explore a wider range of ceramic practices. We run monthly beginner-friendly throwing workshops and throughout the year invite professional artists to lead specialist sessions in hand building, glazing and decorative techniques.

  • From £135

Two artists undertaking a ceramics pottery residency at Clay Shed Bristol

Artist Residencies

  • Spanning 1–3 months, our artist residencies provide dedicated time and space to develop new work, test ideas and refine practice in a professional studio environment.

  • 1 month - £315

    2 months - £567 (10% discount equivalent to £283.50pcm)

    3 months - £756 (20% discount equivalent to £256pcm)

Bespoke pottery classes for groups, team building events and special occasions at Clay Shed, Bristol

Bespoke Group Events

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Mentoring for artists, institutions, individuals and community groups

Mentoring

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  • What should we know about the services you provide? Better descriptions result in more sales.

“I felt at home right away, the instructors were both really friendly and very helpful.”

— Josh, course participant and studio member

Upcoming Events

  • BS5 ARTS TRAIL Open Studios, Clay Shed Bristol

    Open Studios 6th - 7th September

    We’re opening our doors for this year’s BS5 Arts Trail - a weekend to wander through our creative home and meet our makers

    Find out more
  • Village POttery, Jen Hamilton talk, event, presentation, Clay Shed Bristol

    Clay Talks - Thursday 16th October

    Join Jen Hamilton in conversation with Clay Shed director Alice Shields as we celebrate 20 years of business and creative practice

    book tickets
  • Alice Walton Colouring Clay, workshop, Clay Shed, Bristol

    Colouring Clay with Alice Walton

    Delve into the practical and decorative aspects of colouring clay with stains and oxides in this two day workshop

    Book Now