Clay date! Muddy goes potty at The Ceramic Studio, Brenchley

Ever fancied trying out a Pottery Wheel? ‘Course you have! No matter whether you think you’re an ‘Arty’ type or not, you’ll love the mindful pastime of pottery. We tried this Taster Session – wanna see the results?

WE’RE ALL TALKING ABOUT

The Ceramic Studio Brenchley Kent The Grain Store

Pottery is having a moment. From prime-time TV shows to local studios popping up in your neighbourhood – the slow, mindful craft of pottery is booming across the UK.

If ever there was an antidote to the digital world, pottery is surely it? It’s the perfect tactile pastime, allowing you to immerse yourself in one artistic activity, entirely focused on the power of touch. Oh, AND you come away with a real sense of achievement as well as a gorgeous item, made by your own fair hands perfect for gifting, or to sit pride of place in your home, (like one of these beauties below).

The Ceramic Studio Brenchley Kent studio barn pottery on shelves

Now we’ve found a gorgeous place where you can join classes, book to attend with friends – or take your child/teen to learn a new skill while having fun. It’s moments from Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge and has just expanded. It’s called The Ceramic Studio and we went along to try it out – here’s what we found…

THE LOCATION

The Ceramic Studio Brenchley Kent external barn

Set in a converted barn on a beautiful orchard in rural Brenchley, The Ceramic Studio is easily accessible from Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge and Paddock Wood. The pottery classes are run by experienced, dedicated tutors and class sizes are small to ensure everyone’s needs are met (and complete novices are welcomed with open arms!).

THE LOWDOWN

The Ceramic Studio Brenchley Kent girl pottery class pottery

I went along with my daughter who is studying Art A Level. We signed up for one of the Pottery Taster Sessions (Adults), which run regularly on Saturdays and last 2.5 hours – and can be Morning or Afternoon Sessions (see full list here).

There are also Family Taster Sessions available, which also run on Saturdays for anyone aged 5 and over and all children must be accompanied by an adult (that’s where you come in).

When I booked our session I explained that I don’t think of myself as the ‘Arty-type’ but I was reassured that I am exactly the kind of person who most benefits from and enjoys the class – the chance to connect with your creative side, if you like.

Arriving on the day there was plenty of parking outside and the staff were incredibly friendly, encouraging and approachable. From the moment we entered and were handed our aprons we left all the stresses and distractions of the day-to-day world outside and immersed ourselves in a fun absorbing new activity.

THE VIBE

The Ceramic Studio Brenchley Kent studio barn

The cute converted barn sits perfectly in the Kent countryside but inside you’ll find a modern light and airy studio with a spacious, open plan layout.

There are 28 pottery wheels – which is impressive – but ceramics is not all about pottery of course, and they also have an additional self-contained classroom for sculpture, porcelain and other art mediums.

The Ceramic Studio recently celebrated the opening of The Grain Store, a brand new pottery studio which now sits alongside their founding site, The Old Workshop.

The Ceramic Studio Brenchley Kent kids class

This is where the weekly (term-time) regular classes for Adults or Kids takes place (Kids Class pictured above). These run either in the day or in the evening during term-time, with Taster Sessions and one-off workshops on offer in the holidays. The new studio space also offers an exciting programme of guest potter workshops – visit the website for the full list of Classes, Tasters and Guest Potters.

THE EXPERIENCE

Our session took place in The Grain Store and was spit into two parts – firstly hand-building pottery, followed by a throwing session on the pottery wheel, with a pause for refreshments in the middle.

This two-part taster is great as it keeps things skipping along nicely and allows just enough time to create something concrete (well ceramic, but you know what I mean).

We kicked off with the Hand Building Pottery session, (pictured below) with our encouraging tutor, Africa. The hand building area is large and well equipped with a slab roller and an extensive collection of pottery tools.

The Ceramic Studio Brenchley Kent girl hand building pottery

Within the hour, alongside our lovely group of fellow students, we made a vase each. Starting this way is great for building confidence ahead of the more technical process of throwing on the pottery wheel. After a quick cuppa and some lovely sweet treats it was time for the main event. Demi Moore eat your heart out.

The Ceramic Studio Brenchley Kent girl pottery wheel

Trying out the Pottery Wheel experience has always been on my Bucket List. I’m just not sure what took me so long. Our tutor, Nicola, provided lots of hacks and tips for how to handle and control the clay. But mainly was brilliantly no nonsense and with a great of humour put us all at ease which is the main thing when you’re learning a new skill like this.

Amazingly, and despite my questionable co-ordination, we didn’t end up with clay splattered all over us but to be honest I’m not sure it would have mattered if we had.

THE RESULTS

The Ceramic Studio Brenchley Kent pottery class the results

So, in short, this is a brilliant, memorable morning with benefits. And the results? Tadaaaaa! Not bad, eh? Between my daughter and I we made all the pieces above in our 2.5 hour Taster Session. I’d say that’s exceptionally large gain for little skill!

THE MUDDY VERDICT

It’s a surefire way to nab some mindful me-time, with the added incentive of bagging a handmade ceramic without the gallery price-tag.

GOOD FOR: a memorable and fun morning with friends or family; a taster for a new hobby; an alternative hen do; kid or teen parties; corporate work parties; thoughtful gifts for special occasions (they run seasonal workshops); a parent child bonding session; meeting new mates.

NOT FOR: too much artistic licence – this is a taster session after all, so you will need to follow a template. Results aren’t instant of course – your masterpiece needs to dry for a week then glazing and firing in the kiln. No long nails, they get in the way, nor glad rags – dress down for this one.

THE DAMAGE

Adult Pottery Taster Sessions run on Saturdays. Morning Taster Sessions (10am – 12:30pm) and Afternoon Taster Sessions (1pm – 3.30pm). Costs £75 (per person) which includes refreshments all your materials and firings. Please see below for details of the next dates and availability.

Family Taster Sessions run on Saturdays (1pm – 3.30pm). Cost – £75 for adults (18+) and £45 for children (5+) – prices are per person.

theceramicstudio.co.uk, The Old Workshop Hononton Farm, Furnace Ln, Tonbridge TN12 7BX, info@theceramicstudio.co.uk

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