About Us

Clay Shed was founded in 2019 by three ceramic artists with over 50 years of combined experience. Together they envisioned a space where professional facilities and shared knowledge could support both established practitioners and those just beginning their journey with clay.

The studio is artist-led and supported by practicing makers and industry professionals. This ensures that our education programme, workshops and residencies remain rooted in lived experience and evolving practice. Members learn from one another, share skills and contribute to a growing community of potters and ceramic artists in Bristol and the Southwest.

Clay Shed is committed to supporting creativity, skill development and exchange - helping ceramics thrive as both an art form and a practice.

Meet the Team

  • Alice Shields, Director Founder Clay Shed Bristol

    Alice Shields

    FOUNDER

    MA & BA (Hons) Ceramics

    Alice has worked and exhibited across the UK with galleries including the Southbank Centre and Royal Academy of Arts. Her work was recently shortlisted for the Westerwald Prize.

  • Louise Blois, Director, Founder, Clay Shed Bristol

    Louise Blois

    FOUNDER

    MA & BA(Hons) Ceramics

    Alongside her ceramic practice Louise spent many years working as a stylist in the retail industry. She now holds the position of Ceramic Demonstrator at Bath Spa University.

  • Steven Gatrell Sales Clay Shed Bristol Director Pottery Studio

    Steven Gatrell Sales

    FOUNDER

    MA Ceramics, PGCE, BA (Hons) Fine Art

    Steven has worked in arts education for over a decade. His work has been exhibited nationally and internationally, including at the British Ceramic Biennial and Steinbeisser. 

  • Alex McCarthy throwing tutor, Clay Shed, Bristol Pottery Studio, Ceramics

    Alex McCarthy - BA (Hons) Ceramics

    THROWING TUTOR

  • Erika Faggiani Clay Shed Bristol Pottery Studio

    Erika Faggiani

    CERAMICS TUTOR

  • Francesca Dourado Pottery Throw Down Clay Shed Bristol

    Francesa Dourado

    TECHNICIAN

Our Values

  • Clay Shed is a collaborative space where knowledge, skills and ideas are shared. We believe ceramics thrives through exchange and mutual support.

  • We encourage experimentation and innovation in clay. The studio is a place to refine practice, explore new approaches and expand the possibilities of ceramics.

  • Clay Shed is committed to environmentally responsible practice. From materials and firing processes to the way we manage the studio, we work to reduce our impact and promote sustainable approaches to making.

  • As an artist-led organisation, we aim to support ceramics at every level of practice - providing facilities, opportunities and education that foster growth and excellence.

Visiting Tutors

Our visiting tutors deliver workshops focused on their unique processes and techniques. We’ve welcomed a host of potters, artists and designers from across the UK who work with clay.