Claytime Pottery Place - Highgate

I attended a two-hour handbuilding class at Claytime. Even though the studio was busy with a group, the tutor managed to take time with each student and go over everything in the studio. I created and decorated two small plates during the session. The studio emails a week or so later to say the pottery has been fired and ready to be collected. My plates turned out even better than I expected. I will definitely go again, or maybe even try one of the longer courses. The studio is big with 7 or 8 pottery wheels, full equipment, and the kiln. It was all fun to see. The cost of the session covers all supplies, including glazes and clay.

Claytime Pottery Place in Highgate is a hidden gem. It's inside the new community centre on the first floor so other than the signage outside, you could possibly miss it. But it's 100% worth the effort to pop inside and take a look. Since discovering the place I have done a wheel throwing course and a handbuilding course - both evening classes. And from time to time popped in for a handbuilding session with mates. It is also a working studio - the team may be working on creating moulded pebble dishes (amazing) or throwing in the wheel. But in my experience they have always been helpful and clear when explaining. Because it's tucked away, some days you can turn up and almost have the studio to yourself. But other days are kids parties or hen do bookings. I think beginners (like me) would get heaps out of it. Or more experienced ceramicists in the area looking for drop in space it could work too.