The Paint Pottle, home

Throwing and hand building

The Village Pottery

The Village Pottery is an extension of popular pottery painting studio, The Paint Pottle, run by Claire and her friendly team.

Tuesday to Saturday10am–12pm and 2pm–4pm

Handmade bowl with raised coil patterns and a pink glaze pooling in the grooves
Fig. 1 Glaze pooling pink in the coils.
  • Have-a-go wheel£60
    2 hours
  • 4-week courseHand building
  • Village Potter£40 a month
  • KilnsStoneware and earthenware

Welcome

Set up to play with clay

The Village Pottery offers workshops and courses to beginners in our small studio which has been set up with all the basic equipment and materials you need to play with clay.

As well as offering workshops and courses to beginners, the pottery is designed to offer space and time to anyone who is confident in working with clay and wants to explore and further their art and practice by becoming a Village Potter.

In the studio

We have a dedicated clay space for throwing, hand building and workshops.

  • Shimpo whisper throwing wheel
  • 45L 40cm diameter electric stoneware kiln
  • 60L 40cm diameter electric earthenware kiln
  • Table top slab roller
  • Hand building equipment and tools
  • Glazing station

Three ways in

Courses, the wheel and membership

Our workshops and courses are designed for anyone to take part - you don’t have to have any experience with clay or you can be returning to a much loved hobby.
  1. Courses & workshops: See courses & workshops

    Throughout the year we will explore different creative techniques and projects via individual workshops such as ceramic pumpkin carving, jug making, seasonal decorations, stoneware glazes, etc.

    • 4-week introduction to clay
    • One-off pottery projects
    Hands shaping a slab of clay around a roll on a wooden board
    Fig. 2 Slab building: clay wrapped round a roll.
  2. Have-a-go wheel throwing: Have a go on the wheel

    This one-off 2 hour session is designed for absolute beginners at the wheel.

    • £60, book online
    • 2-hour session
    Clay-covered hands shaping clay on a pottery wheel
    Fig. 3 Clay-covered hands at the wheel.
  3. Become a Village Potter: About membership

    Our aim is to provide space and time for more experienced ceramicists and those that have completed our 4 week beginner course, who wish to explore their art and practice further.

    • £40 a month
    • Shared work space and a shelf
    Lumps of clay and curled clay offcuts on a white workshop table, beside the end of a wooden rolling pin
    Fig. 4 Lumps of clay and curly offcuts.

Workshops

One-off pottery projects

Follow us on social media or check out what’s on to see what’s coming up and to book.

See what’s on
  1. Adult workshop, clay

    Ceramic pumpkin carving

    This is an adult workshop from 7-9pm on Tuesday 13th October including greenware 28cm pumpkin, inspo and guidance on carving, a hot chocolate and treats as well as glazing and firing. The perfect way to spend an autumn evening with friends.

    TuesdayOctober7–9pm
    Four glowing hand-carved ceramic pumpkins at dusk, including a black cat and moon design, a sugar skull and a jack-o’-lantern face

Ask us

Got an idea of something you’d like to make?

Let us know and we’ll do our best to help you.

Phones are answered 10am–4pm, Tuesday to Saturday. We aim to reply to emails within 48 hours during our opening hours.

Wheel taster

My husband and I came for a wheel throwing experience and absolutely loved it. Claire was a great teacher and we had a lot of fun giving it a go - the steps were clear and easy to follow. I would absolutely recommend this to anyone! …

Kate Cary · Google review, Feb 2025

Reviews are quoted as written, with the reviewer’s name, where it was posted and the month. “…” marks where we’ve shortened one.

Book a table

Tuesday to SaturdayTwo sessions: 10am–12pm and 2pm–4pm.

Planning ahead? We’ll write the email for you
Which session? (optional)

Morning 10am–12pm or afternoon 2pm–4pm, Tuesday to Saturday.

How many painters?
2 painters

Hi Claire, I’d like to book a table for 2 painters. Thank you!

Email this request

Choosing a session doesn’t book it: we’ll confirm by phone, text or email.

We do advise booking, especially on Saturdays and during holiday periods.