Clay Works Studios

I thoroughly enjoyed every part of my Intro to Throwing weekend course- the venue is an inviting creative space, both Lauren and Chris are accomplished artists and inspiring teachers, and the lunches were delicious. They not only created a wonderful environment to learn and challenge yourself, but also a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere for laughs and chats. Everyone was friendly and Lauren was consistently supportive and positive and just a genuinely lovely person. I learned SO much and I’m already excited about the Level 2 I’m attending later this spring!

I have just thoroughly enjoyed a 4 day beginners course at the Clayworks Studio. Lauren and Chris are so welcoming, warm and friendly. Their pottery skills are incredible! I learnt how to throw bowls, cylinders and then trim them up ready for glazing. I learnt so much, and cannot wait to return. I should also mention that the lunch they provide is delicious!!

Cannot recommend highly enough.. A brilliant way to spend a couple of days, I am a complete beginner and the course was given as a gift from my husband. I loved the course, the welcome, the heathy lunch and endless tea and coffee and the support and encouragement from Lauren who was running it. You are quickly hands on throwing your pots so there is plenty of practise time and I found it really engrossing.. The second day was equally as fun again with plenty of practise time and because the groups are small you feel able to chat and ask questions. Lauren ensures she is keeping an eye on how everyone is doing and reacts accordingly, a really good quality for any tutor to have and her knowledge and willingness to share is fantastic. If you are looking for a stress free class with no pressure to perform to try out a new hobby which is value for your money and time then this is for you. The whole ambience of the the Clayworks Studio is special and a real gem of a find. Photos of my creations from day 1..

Fantastic weekend pottery course, Lauren and Chris were both great teachers and we had a brilliant time learning more about throwing! Highly recommended!

I have been using Clay Works Studios for over 4 years now. I have attended a variety of courses over the years and now attend on an open access basis as a member. I thoroughly recommend the General Pottery Course if you’re just getting into it - it’s a great introduction, working on coil building, slab work and a taster of throwing. For those more experienced, check out their intense courses or their intermediate throwing. I thoroughly enjoy the environment and the people we share it with. It’s a lovely community of creative potters who are welcoming and encouraging. Chris and Lauren who own and run Clay Works are two of the kindest people you’ll ever meet - such genuine warmth and love for what they do. They are always willing to offer guidance and are so patient and encouraging. Attending the studio is now part of my weekly routine. I love everything about it. It’s a wonderful place to be! I feel so grateful to have this so close to home.

I cannot recommend Clay Works highly enough. I took the 4-day intensive throwing course and it certainly surpassed my expectations. I have some experience throwing and turning and my aim was to become more confident throwing consistently and with larger amounts of clay. Chris and Lauren are natural and truly excellent teachers. They are generous in sharing their extensive knowledge and experience in ceramics and they do so in an encouraging, inclusive and attentive manner that is tailored to each student. The course was structured but flexible to what we all wanted to achieve. It was delivered in a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere in which we all felt comfortable and well supported. The opportunity to spend 4 days throwing and turning under their supervision was incredibly helpful to me in building confidence throwing. The studio is spacious, light and well equipped. The grounds and surrounding area are peaceful and picturesque. For those not familiar with Dumfries and Galloway, it is a beautiful part of the world. The whole experience was brilliant so thank you both. I have taken away many happy memories and skills that have really helped improve my practice and I hope to come back soon. For anyone reading this and considering signing up, I would recommend that you do.

The 4 day basic throwing skills course at Clayworks was perfect for me as a beginner. The time allows for good introductions to prepping clay and the basics of throwing bowls and cylinders and shaping and finishing. The tuition from Lauren and Chris, who have spent decades working with clay, and clearly still have a passion for it, means you get a huge leap forward in learning and making. I was amazed by what we, as a group of beginners, were able to make. And the lunches are great too.