The Clay Room UK - Adult Pottery Classes in Orpington

We attended a 3hr beginners workshop. The facilities were good, the atmosphere friendly and the tuition excellent. Everybody in the class managed to create an attractive pinch pot which they formed into a mug, jug, tea-light holder or decorative bowl as they wished. They also managed to produce a highly creditable small bowl on the wheel in their own choice of shape. The tutor, Sophie worked incredibly hard to achieve this amazing feat, as well as providing tea, coffee and nice biscuits.

All in all, it was an excellent afternoon and highly recommended. We eagerly await the return of our glazed and fired bowls, but have been warned that will take anumber of weeks.

Had an excellent 3hr Saturday class - Sophie helped us turn our lumps of clay into masterpieces. Everything provided and a really nice studio. Cheers, Paul & Gaye

Well equipped workshop lovely environment gifted creative supportive understanding tutor. Lovely location

Had a private session as a birthday gift for my wife. We really enjoyed it and knocked out (I think) some good pots! Very tempted to do some more sessions.

Together with my husband we booked a 10 week pottery course with Sophie after watching The Great British Pottery Throw Down on BBC. As a complete novice, I didn't know what to expect and long before the first session even started, I doubted whether I was able to create anything at all. And yet just after the first lesson I was hooked! Sophie has skillfully showed us how to make our very first pinch pots, explaining each stage as she went along, then patiently guided all participants along the way to help them create their own pots, mugs, tea light holders etc. We are halfway our course and have also learned and made coiled pieces, learned how to build using slabs and had a good go at a pottery wheel. There's plethora of tools and moulds available to use at will. The atmosphere is always relaxed and we are encouraged to express our own creativity in choosing type of the dish, its size and shape. I love the spacious and airy studio with a stunning view of Kent countryside. There are always many pottery pieces on display, great as a source of inspiration, along with many books, which we were encouraged to rummage through. In the beginning I was slightly bit anxious to be lagging behind others, but then just relaxed and immersed myself in this wonderful creative exercise. I found it rather therapeutic, too. There's no sense of urgency and pressure to complete one piece in any given technique by the end of each session to be ready for the next one the following week. Sophie is friendly and helpful, very supportive and hands-on.
I cannot recommend this course highly enough, especially since it is also a great value for money.