Studio Membership
Join Clay Shed - your creative home for ceramics in Bristol and become part of a vibrant, artist-led community. Members enjoy 24/7 access to fully equipped studio facilities, expert guidance and a supportive network of potters and ceramic artists. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced ceramicist, Clay Shed provides the space, resources and inspiration to develop your skills, explore new techniques and grow your practice.
Every membership includes personal storage for tools, clay and glazes plus access to shared shelving for work in progress. We provide training in essential studio skills - from clay recycling and glaze mixing to kiln loading and firing - ensuring members can work safely and independently.
Beyond equipment, our facilities are built around community and collaboration. For those looking for more independence, we also offer dedicated studio spaces alongside our flexible membership options.
Clay Shed is also committed to sustainable studio practice, with clay recycling and resource-conscious making built into our operations.
Clay Shed is a supportive community of people… the team are knowledgeable and helpful.
— Ed, member
Membership Benefits
Here’s what you’ll get as a member of Clay Shed:
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24/7 access - create when it suits you
Book wheels, kilns, and equipment easily via our app
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Full use of communal spaces for hand-building and throwing
Personal storage for tools, clay, and glazes
Communal shelving for work in progress
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Training & Mentoring
Free inductions: clay recycling, glaze mixing, kiln loading & firing
Peer mentoring through Potty Mouth group
Guidance from experienced ceramicists
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Subsidised access to all Clay Talks with visiting artists
Opportunities to exhibit and sell work at open studio events
Connect with the community
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Clay recycling batt system
Conscious resource use across the studio
Encouraging sustainable approaches to making
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10% off all courses and workshops
Extra promotion on our social media platforms
Start your creative journey with us
Explore our range of specially designed membership options, which cater for the needs of different makers
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Up to 4 hours of studio access per week
One storage shelf (equivalent to 1.7 m2) to store your tools and materials
Firings are conducted by the Clay Shed team and are charged as an additional cost.
£95 per calendar month
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Up to 15 hours of studio access per week
One storage shelf (equivalent to 1.7 m2) to store your tools and materials
Firings are conducted by the Clay Shed team and are charged as an additional cost.
£155 per calendar month
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Unlimited studio access per week
One entire shelving unit shelf (equivalent to 8.5m2) to store your tools and materials
You manage your own kiln firings.
£215 per calendar month
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Unlimited studio access each week
A dedicated space in a shared studio, includes shelving
You manage your own firings
£225 - 235 per calendar month
The Clay Shed Tech Exchange is a unique work exchange membership offering ceramicists access to specialist facilities in return for weekly technical support. This opportunity is ideal for early-career makers, recent graduates, or skilled hobbyists looking to deepen their studio practice and gain first-hand insight into the operations of a professional ceramics studio.
In exchange for four hours of technical support per week, Tech Exchange Members receive enhanced studio access and become part of a vibrant community of artists, makers and learners.
This membership is now fully subscribed. Keep in the loop with vacancies by subscribing to our newsletter and following us on Instagram & Facebook @clayshedbristol
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Up to 15 hours of studio access per week
2 storage shelves (equivalent to 1.7 m2 each) to store your tools and materials
4 hours of technical support each week in exchange for membership
Membership FAQs
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Clay Shed members enjoy 24/7 access to a fully equipped ceramics studio in Bristol, including kilns, potter’s wheels, slab rollers and glaze facilities. Membership also includes personal storage, training in studio processes and opportunities to exhibit and connect with a vibrant community of ceramic artists.
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Yes. All Clay Shed members have flexible, around-the-clock access to the studio, allowing you to work at the times that suit you best.
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Membership is open to all makers who can work independently in a ceramics studio. Beginners are encouraged to take one of our courses first (or elsewhere), where you’ll gain the skills and confidence needed for membership.
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Flexi 4 – up to 4 hours of studio access per week, with one shelf to store your tools and materials. Suited to hobbyists, or if you have a busy schedule
Flexi 15 – up to 15 hours of studio access per week, with one shelf to store your tools and materials.
Flexi Unlimited – full, unrestricted access to the studio, with five shelves to store your tools and materials. -
Applications can be made online through our website, or send us an email expressing your interest. Once you’ve applied, our team will arrange a studio tour to introduce you to the studio.
Membership Special Offers
For Clay Shed Students:
Complete a 6-week course or weekend workshop and receive:
10% off your first month of membership
£10 kiln firing credit
For UK Graduates (If you’ve graduated within the past 3 years):
£25 off any membership for your first 3 months
£30 kiln firing credit