Emma and I had a fabulous morning. The Raku morning was given as a gift, and although Emma has done some pottery, this was my first experience and I was quite nervous. I shouldn't have been. I was made to feel exactly the same as everyone else, whether they were accomplished or novice potters. Unfortunately Cellan didn't cry at our efforts, but we are extremely pleased with the results of our day. Would definitely recommend and do again. Easiest five stars.
Fantastic way to try this type of pottery without major expense. Really friendly team, with great instructors who break the whole process down into bits sized chunks, then let you attempt each stage before moving on to the next one. The whole morning passed in a flash (the only down side). Small classes for the workshops so easy access to the wheel, and you get to make at least two pots that they fire for you and then you get to keep. You will get a bit Messi, but that's part of the fun. If you're not sure it's for you, give this tester a try. You won't find a better team to try with.
What an amazing experience. A truly lovely place full of inspiration and ideas. Very relaxing and informative with brilliant tutor. A lovely day working with Clay
This was our first time at any form of pottery. The tutor made the whole experience very enjoyable, gave us all time to complete each stage of the build so was very relaxed and chilled all in a lovely bright, airy converted barn. Would definitely recommend to anyone.
Very enjoyable afternoon spent having a beginner’s lesson with Helen. She made the afternoon fun for the mixed age group;11- 90 years! It passed in a flash & the end result, my vase wasn’t bad for a first attempt 😝. Looking forward to trying one of the other taster sessions.
I attend weekly classes ( for a few years now ) at The Clay Studio and have also attended some short courses and workshops. The classes are genuinely the highlight of my week. The quality of materials - glazes particularly - on offer is outstanding, the teachers are great and the space is incredibly light, relaxing, spacious and welcoming; there’s even a cosy retreat for tea breaks, with plenty of inspirational books and work on display.The short courses I’ve attended, particularly the throwing ones, are brilliant and teach an astounding amount in a short time- frame.Everyone involved is so supportive and helpful- the atmosphere is always busy, productive but calm and relaxing as well, with plenty of chance to chat, but also plenty of space to be alone with your thoughts if that’s what you need to work.The Clay Studio is a very, very important part of my life in retirement! ( and evening and weekend classes for those still at work)
I love my classes at The Clay Studio. It is an wonderfully creative space.The staff are kind, supportive, knowledgeable and amazing. There is such a variety of options. The range of clays and glazes allow limitless possiblities in our ceramic making. This is evident in the truly inspiring unique creations made by every studentThe facilites are fantastic in such a lovely spot on edge of Ashdown Forest.
I just wanted to send a massive thank you to everyone at ‘The Clay Studio’. Sometimes we feel things and don’t say them so I thought I would express it this time, as everyone needs a pick me up sometimes, so here goes.
I have only been working with clay for just over a year and yet it has become such an important part of my life. We have just finished a home studio at the bottom of my garden which brings me so much joy, a joy that was inspired and nurtured by your staff.
As a team you have been so enthusiastic, patient and kind at every step of this journey. Cellan has shown me how to trim, recycle clay, how to make a plaster batt, glaze advice, tool advice and so much more.
Helen has been so encouraging even when I make life difficult for myself with glazing choices and has been so kind at every step. Eloise patiently showed me, numerous times, how to get my pots off the wheel head! Susana inspired me to throw in the first place and has advised on kilns, glazing, lids and so much more. Tim spent ages today showing me how to make lids. They have all gently encouraged me along the journey. Every interaction with your team has been a positive one and helped me with my understanding of clay so thank you everyone.
Eunice, you have created a little haven at the Clay Studio and I feel so, so lucky to be part of it and have clay in my life.
That’s me over and out. Sappy but all true!!
JUDE
I highly recommend The Clay Studio. Eunice, Susana, Helen and Lara are all wonderful teachers. The patience and care they have shown me as I’ve worked on various projects (with the clay and in life!) has been truly appreciated. They encourage gently and motivate me to leave my comfort zone behind. I’ve been thrilled with the pieces I’ve created. Highlights for me are the raku workshops and throwing – challenging but such fun. I hope this amazing little business continues to create and grow from strength to strength. Thank you all so much.
NADYNE
We had struggled a bit with what we should get each other for our 20th wedding anniversary until my wife came up with the unique idea of buying each other a pottery throwing lesson.
We researched and were delighted to find one quite close by near Groombridge. I have to say it was a stroke of genius by my wife because we absolutely loved it and can’t wait to pick up our glazed pots as mementoes of the day. The setting is lovely and the class is a fantastic introduction.
Massive thanks to Susana for her patient and expert tuition. We had expected to spend out time giggling at our pathetic attempts and humming a certain tune from Ghost but far from it and we could hardly bear to leave the potters wheel when the time came. Highly recommend The Clay Studio to anyone, not just those celebrating their 20th anniversary.
TIM AND JANET
I just wanted to say what an amazing day I had today at Throwing Practice, with Susana! It was fantastic.
After an introduction and some inspiration, we established what we each wanted to achieve by the end of the day. I wanted to develop my skill in throwing wide shallow bowls and, after some false starts, Susana gave some expert input which made all the difference to my technique so that I managed to throw four by the end. (I hoped only to make one!). The warm sunshine outside meant that by the afternoon I could turn each one. I definitely achieved my aim today and made progress.
Susana was an absolutely brilliant teacher and gave us each what we needed to move forward. I loved it. So, thank you for providing such a fabulous opportunity, and a huge thank you to Susana. She must be exhausted – she worked so hard for us all.
MANDY
I started as a complete novice but have gone onto produce some really great pieces of pottery. Friends have oohed and ahhed about them and in some cases in disbelief I had actually done them! The teaching is second to none and the facilities are excellent. I have learnt a wonderful new skill. Most highly recommended!
JENNIFER
I have learnt so much in a short amount of time. All the teachers are extremely helpful and motivating. I crave my Monday mornings. Just can’t get enough!
LEAH
I love my Thursday evenings at The Clay Studio, and really look forward to it each week. The studio space is really well-thought out and equipped and there are great glaze and slip colours to choose from. Everyone is friendly and it has a relaxed atmosphere. You can go at your own pace, try the projects offered each term and get plenty of inspiration from all the wonderful pieces on display around the studio. Thoroughly recommended.
NATALIE
I am just starting my third year at The Clay Studio and I wouldn’t miss my Thursday morning class for anything. It is a wonderful place to let your creativity take flight with the steadying hands and guidance of the ever present friendly professional potters to teach, advise and encourage. With this very well equipped studio and the friendly and creative atmosphere I cannot recommend The Clay Studio more highly to both beginners and more experienced potters.
VICTORIA
So good! The studio is incredibly well stocked with everything possible to create your pottery. But almost more important, the atmosphere and quality of the teaching is what makes the studio exceptional. From a complete novice I have found the freedom to be far more creative than I would ever have thought possible!
JENNIFER
A wonderful environment to be creative . The studio is always filled with inspiring pictures and work that sparks another idea for me. The tutors are unfailingly supportive and patient.
The studio is very well equipped and there are so many different techniques to try out. I look forward to the class as a highlight of my week. The setting of the studio amongst the countryside is calming and beautiful.
ZAD
The Clay Studio is a fantastic, friendly, and very creative environment. Well equipped, with lovely tutors who stop at nothing in helping you, and giving you advice and guidance whenever needed. This is a really wonderful place, with very knowledgeable tutors who are meticulous in attending to each potter and the work produced. They seem to have the gift of understanding all the ‘pupils’, and are a real joy to spend time with.
NICKY
This is the best pottery I’ve ever been to. There is a much or as little guidance as you would like to have …if you prefer to work on your own projects ,you can ,but if you’d like teaching that is also available. New ideas are given each term and we are then encouraged to personalise and develop those in our own work. There is a very friendly ,sociable atmosphere with drinks and often snacks offered , but if you prefer to work quietly on your own ,that is OK too.
I can’t recommend The Clay Studio highly enough . It is a sanity saver at the end of a busy day and I always leave the class feeling that the world is a nicer place than when i arrived!
CJG
I love classes at the Clay Studio. Monday mornings are my favourite time of the week – what could be better than feeling inspired with like-minded, friendly people in a beautiful setting? The tutors are knowledgeable and always have time for you.
JO
I am really enjoying my 2nd term at The Clay Studio. There is a theme each term but it is loose enough to allow everyone to be creative in their own way – using the wheel or hand building, using different clays & experimenting with different glazing techniques. The teachers are always on hand to give advice and encouragement. It is fabulous seeing how talented & creative people are – the atmosphere is friendly & relaxed & never prescriptive or intimidating.
SUSANNAH
My big treat of the week is my weekly afternoon class at The Clay Studio. After almost a term I have learned a massive amount already – and am undertaking a very large coil pot as my first big project already. I have made slab pots, thumb pots, slipped and glazed. The knowledge, gentle nudging and humour of the teaching team is fabulous. I have just booked onto one of their specific throwing weekend workshops too and am very excited about trying another new technique. I feel I am in expert hands and am loving every minute!
KATE
These classes have brought a creative side out of me that I never knew I had. I look forward to my lessons every week mostly down to the beautiful studio that I get to work in and the amazing teachers that are Eunice, Helen and Susana who are so knowledgeable and enthusiastic about what they do encouraging you even when you think something has gone wrong! I’ve been doing these classes for over a year now and I can’t see me ever stopping. It’s my weekly therapy!
HANNAH
My reason for doing pottery: discovering a new dimension to my world of craft. I am a dabbler of many crafts and find it all very rewarding. (Never done before) I started at the beginning of The Clay Studio and have nothing but praise for the amenities. The teachers, Eunice, Helen and Susana, whom make it fun and are themselves very creative.
LINDA
I found the small animal sculpture half-day workshop, my first experience in this area of ceramics, inspiring with friendly, positive, encouraging and professional tuition. We were asked to prepare in advance by deciding on a subject and bringing a range of photographs to aid our work. On the day, Helen’s instructions were very clear: our task was to quickly create a maquette of our subject to understand how we might shape our sculpture and to appreciate the challenges we might encounter in the final version. Helen worked on her own sculpture alongside us, narrating the process and also being quite self critical; this was very reassuring for me.
Our full size sculpture was a more complex process, but we were able to make improvements to our maquette ideas. Helen’s very clear instructions for this were given step by step so that we could follow easily. She was always happy to give help when we needed it. I felt at the start that it would be a real challenge for me, as a beginner, to complete two sculptures within the timeframe, learning new techniques, but in fact the time limitations meant that we all worked quickly and decisively.
I had a great sense of achievement when I had completed both pieces of work. Helen has kindly offered to ensure that the sculptures are bisque fired and glazed in her own time over the summer break. It was a joy to work with such an expert, enthusiastic and encouraging tutor.
JEAN
Geoff and I attended our first class this morning with Lara and we both had a thoroughly enjoyable time! She’s a lovely person and a great teacher – at once instructive, encouraging and full of good suggestions.
ANNE
Having never been even in the vicinity of a potters wheel in my life I was amazed to successfully produce multiple pots with Susanna’s guidance and eventually completely on my own. What a fabulous morning with tangible results, beautifully glazed, in use, at my table. I am looking forward to attempting another “throwing morning” to improve my skills but it was brilliantly led; Susanna was calm, open and beyond helpful. Thank you for introducing me to a wonderful past-time.
DEBORAH
As complete beginners to throwing, my daughters and I signed up for a half day workshop with Susanna. We were thrilled with the experience and results. Susanna was an excellent guide and teacher. Thoroughly recommended.
GILL
I really enjoyed the clay throwing course. The instruction was clear and helpful. Having done GCSE pottery 30 years ago, I had some very distant memories to go on, but felt like I progressed well through the morning and came away with 2 pots I was very pleased with. Others had had no experience and also progressed well. Thank you, it was a great experience!
VANESSA
What a super way to spend a rainy Saturday morning! Being very out of practice with any throwing I used to do I found Susana a calm and very encouraging teacher with a very good way of imparting her knowledge. The morning flew past. I feel that I have learnt much more about different techniques and am inspired to keep going. Thanks Susana, I look forward to taking more courses.
CATRIONA
Susanna has a very special way of teaching how to throw on the wheel. She is very calm and instructive and somehow manages to always gets people to achieve great results. I would highly recommend her to anyone from beginners to more advanced potters.
B
After an introduction and some inspiration, we established what we each wanted to achieve by the end of the day. I wanted to develop my skill in throwing wide shallow bowls and, after some false starts, Susana gave some expert input which made all the difference to my technique so that I managed to throw four by the end. (I hoped only to make one!). The warm sunshine outside meant that by the afternoon I could turn each one. I definitely achieved my aim today and made progress.
PAM
Susana was an absolutely brilliant teacher and gave us each what we needed to move forward. I loved it. So, thank you for providing such a fabulous opportunity, and a huge thank you to Susana. She must be exhausted – she worked so hard for us all.
STEVE
Absolutely the best day of the week!
DEBORAH
Lovely spacious studio, lots of equipment, fantastic help and inspiration
PETER
Went with my daughter, had a great time, would recommend it
SANDRA
The best studio I’ve experienced. Very safe with Covid19 safety measures in place. Such patient and inspirational teaching. Highly recommended for everyone.
HELEN
A beautifully situated studio in the middle of the Sussex Downs, with wonderful teachers and gorgeous slips and glazes.
KELLY
Brilliant first class, informative, productive and safe… Beautiful environment
WENDY
10/10 for reopening the school to be Covid 19 friendly! This has always been a well run, organised, inspiring creative space with outstanding teachers and an amazing array of resources.
But now, in the light of the virus, it has been intelligently reorganised and clear safe procedures put in place. The staff sanitise every piece of equipment between lessons and we are all encouraged to do the same as we work using all the cleaning/sanitising materials dotted about in every section of the room. Everyone is in masks but this has not reduced the fun and laughter that happens in every session. Eunice also sends us weekly updates and is always available to answer any concerns. So congratulations for restoring some sensible normality into a very strange world!
MANDY
I am part way through my second course at the clay studio and think they are fantastic. Knowledgeable and approachable teachers and plenty of freedom to be creative. Highly recommend.
GEMMA
Operating from new premises, The Clay Studio has remained an excellent, happy place to learn pottery. Barnsgate Manor has provided a fabulous area in which to create, inspired by teachers who really love their subject.
SUE
I have been going to the clay studio for three years and have enjoyed every minute. Eunice and her team are so knowledgeable and they have a fabulously well-equipped new studio with a wealth of inspiring resources. Highly recommend.
ALISON
I love this place highlight of my week. Wonderful staff so helpful and such a beautiful place to enjoy a hobby and create. The studio is ideal everything you could need and I have learnt so much.
SADIE
Attended a Saturday morning throwing workshop a few weeks ago and it was amazing! Great fun lead by a very informative and friendly teacher Susana. Enjoyed every second of it and the time went by so quickly. The location and studio are great very peaceful and with plenty of parking. Would highly recommend for anyone who want to have some fun with clay!
TARA
My first attempt at pottery and have loved every class. To start with the studio is in a beautiful location & it’s kept so clean, tidy and well equipped. The staff are extremely welcoming and have been so patient, helping me every step of the way. The course I am on is the weekly afternoon, which has a complete mix of abilities. Thank you Eunice and team, I now have the pottery bug
JAN
The friendliest, kind, caring and encouraging potters around. Very knowledgeable and skilled team of teachers who all shine.
FRANCES
I’ve been coming to the Clay Studio since it started. I love the welcoming, relaxed, creative feel of the space. It’s often the highlight of my week spending three hours creating (or at least trying too) amongst like-minded people. The teachers are all very supportive and helpful. I’ve also attended one off workshops which are fun and instructive. My kids love attending workshops too and have even had a birthday party there. All and all a fun creative and social place to be.
PIP
I have been coming to the Clay Studio since it moved to Barnsgate. It is the most wonderful place, with brilliant teachers and every Monday afternoon is the highlight of my week – I am even getting to grips with the wheel!
LIZ
We had a great workshop on Saturday, it was full on and busy. Lunch was great and we came away with some really funky designs on our pots. Thank you Eunice and Helen 🙂
JUDITH
The whole day was a wonderful uplifting experience. It far exceeded my expectations & I came away with some gorgeous fired pots with the most unexpected effects. I loved it. The lunch provided was delicious. Thank you Helen & Eunice.
MICHELLE
The alternative firing workshop was just utterly wonderful. Eunice and Helen clearly explained all the elements of the 3 firing techniques and took care and time to answer questions and help us achieve the effects we were seeking. Speaking as someone who likes control and ‘neatness’ with their pottery this was just fantastic therapy as it pushed me from my comfort zone and helped me explore a more unpredictable process.
I absolutely adore all the pieces I came home with and would go as far as to say they are some of my most treasured pieces that I have created so far! I cannot recommend this course enough for not only the alternative firing knowledge gained but the supportive and happy atmosphere of the day meeting other potters. It must also be mentioned that the ‘simple vegetarian lunch’ as described for the course was gorgeously delicious and the nicest lunch I have had in a long time. A five-star experience all round in my opinion.
JUDE
Amazing studio in a lovely location run by a super friendly, knowledgable and supportive team. I can highly recommend their single day courses and their term-long weekly courses. I’m coming to the end of my second term and am really pleased with the things I’ve been making and always look forward to returning each week.
Emma and I had a fabulous morning. The Raku morning was given as a gift, and although Emma has done some pottery, this was my first experience and I was quite nervous. I shouldn't have been. I was made to feel exactly the same as everyone else, whether they were accomplished or novice potters. Unfortunately Cellan didn't cry at our efforts, but we are extremely pleased with the results of our day. Would definitely recommend and do again. Easiest five stars.Can't wait for another course.Lovely venue and lovely people.So pleased with what I was able to achieve.Fantastic way to try this type of pottery without major expense. Really friendly team, with great instructors who break the whole process down into bits sized chunks, then let you attempt each stage before moving on to the next one. The whole morning passed in a flash (the only down side). Small classes for the workshops so easy access to the wheel, and you get to make at least two pots that they fire for you and then you get to keep. You will get a bit Messi, but that's part of the fun. If you're not sure it's for you, give this tester a try. You won't find a better team to try with.What an amazing experience. A truly lovely place full of inspiration and ideas. Very relaxing and informative with brilliant tutor. A lovely day working with ClayThis was our first time at any form of pottery. The tutor made the whole experience very enjoyable, gave us all time to complete each stage of the build so was very relaxed and chilled all in a lovely bright, airy converted barn. Would definitely recommend to anyone.Very enjoyable afternoon spent having a beginner’s lesson with Helen. She made the afternoon fun for the mixed age group;11- 90 years! It passed in a flash & the end result, my vase wasn’t bad for a first attempt 😝. Looking forward to trying one of the other taster sessions.I attend weekly classes ( for a few years now ) at The Clay Studio and have also attended some short courses and workshops. The classes are genuinely the highlight of my week. The quality of materials - glazes particularly - on offer is outstanding, the teachers are great and the space is incredibly light, relaxing, spacious and welcoming; there’s even a cosy retreat for tea breaks, with plenty of inspirational books and work on display.The short courses I’ve attended, particularly the throwing ones, are brilliant and teach an astounding amount in a short time- frame.Everyone involved is so supportive and helpful- the atmosphere is always busy, productive but calm and relaxing as well, with plenty of chance to chat, but also plenty of space to be alone with your thoughts if that’s what you need to work.The Clay Studio is a very, very important part of my life in retirement! ( and evening and weekend classes for those still at work)I love my classes at The Clay Studio. It is an wonderfully creative space.The staff are kind, supportive, knowledgeable and amazing. There is such a variety of options. The range of clays and glazes allow limitless possiblities in our ceramic making. This is evident in the truly inspiring unique creations made by every studentThe facilites are fantastic in such a lovely spot on edge of Ashdown Forest. 
