The Clay Room UK - Pottery Classes in Orpington

I recently spent two days with Sophie on a semi-private mould making and slip casting course. Both days were simply amazing! Having had very little knowledge about either parts of the process, I have come away feeling entirely capable and empowered to start making my own work, the science of it all now exciting rather than off-putting! I couldn't recommend Sophie as a teacher more; she's super knowledgable and great at explaining stuff, plus she's a lot of fun to hang out with, which makes for a lovely experience! If you're thinking about taking one of her classes, just do it, you won't regret it!

Fantastic teachers with class sizes not too large. I’ve already made several different pots and bowls in the first month.

Had a fantastic throwing taster session, Sophie is a brilliant teacher and I can't wait to see the results of my pottery.

I did the introduction to throwing course a while back and I'm really pleased with the three pieces I managed to create. Sophie's knowledge, teaching skills and patience are excellent. The finished items are beyond what I ever imagined I could achieve, as a complete novice and that's all down to Sophie's guidance. Thank you so much and I will definitely be booking up a full course.

I have been to pottery classes before and they don't compare to the Clay Room! Both Sophie and Kat have taught me and have given me amazing guidance. The room is full of inspiration, a lovely atmosphere and I am very pleased at the progress I have made over the past few months. The picture below is my first pinch pot. :)

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.

Amazing potter studio! Sophie is a really great teacher. Super patient and takes the time to explain all the steps. Even when the class gets busy.I’ve been to two of her courses and so if you’re looking for something new to try that’s creative I would definitely recommend signing up for her courses!Tea and cookies included. :)I recommend!

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.

Having a great time learning pottery here, first attempt on the wheel today and under Sophie’s tutelage everyone learning successfully made two things each. Definitely recommend and definitely re-enrolling!!

Had a private session for two hours for me and my boyfriend, had such a good time. Sophie is really friendly and such a good teacher, we were clear on what we were doing as well as having a nice chat while doing it. We are both very happy with our first tries at making bowls and so excited to see the finished product after kilning! Thanks very much Sophie for a lovely morning, will definitely be recommending and coming again ourselves :)