Clay Works Studios

What a great place! This was our first ever experience of pottery, something we did on holiday, we’d watched Pottery Throwdown and been enthralled watching them create from a blob of clay never imagining we could do that. The few hours we spent one afternoon in August this year totally changed all that. The teaching was so clear and informative that we were producing items that we now use at home within the first hour. I have now gone onto a weekly class at home and can now start to develop my pottery skills. I’m looking forward to going back for a 2 day throwing course in the New Year to develop my throwing skills and expand the range of items I can produce. If you have any inclination for this at all give it a go here. You won’t regret it.

Chris and Lauren have created a wonderful workshop that allows a weaving together of people from all over Dumfries and Galloway and beyond...... a melting pot of learning, exploring, being creative, ................Wonderful! Really important to have you here!! Thank you !!!

We travel from over the border to this pottery and it is worth the drive - initially for a short throwing course where the instructions were clear and inspiring, and then to use the open studios where we were encouraged to explore with great technical support. But more than all this (as if that was not enough) this is a place of joy where everyone is friendly and your day is simply better for having been there!

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.

Great place, lovely studio, fantastic people.

Absolutely brilliant pottery workshop with lessons for complete beginners through to those with more experience. Excellent tuition, very relaxed, beautiful space.

Open studio user:Fantastic space and environment to work in . I’ve dabbled in pottery for years but haven’t had my own studio, so previously relied on short courses that didn’t really fit my needs to give me my clay fix.The open studio sessions at Clayworks are ideal , Chris, Lauren and the studio assistant are around to answer questions but it’s nice to be able to just get on with my own work.Enough storage space to have ongoing projects and some of my own tools/glazes to work with, but access to all the resources in the studio.A good halfway point to having your own studio, but with the added bonus of making pottery a social activity , and a great mix of people to bounce ideas off of.

This is a fantastic 4 day intensive course with Lauren & Chris. Both are very knowledgeable Ceramists and I was able to pick up some great tips and improve my throwing skills. The Clay Works Studios are in the most beautiful setting in Dumfries and I would highly recommend the course

My Dad and I had a private throwing class and absolutely loved it! Friendly, knowledgeable and fun team meant that I didn't feel daft when my attempts went a bit awry, and celebrated with me when I managed to create a couple of pots. We'll be back!