Baltic Clay

What a great place. Baltic Clay is a friendly and well-managed studio, home to professional potters and brilliant classes for beginners – with small group sizes, supportive experienced teachers and a great space (with parking!) For me, this was the perfect intro to getting going in something I’ve loved from afar for decades - and just brilliant to have the opportunity to carry on as a ‘clay club’ member with use of studio, materials and equipment at a really reasonable cost. I’ve recently finished the 12-week beginners course with our teacher Helen - who is patience itself - and can’t wait to get back, keep practising and developing with the techniques and skills she’s taught us - and being creative… such a peaceful place too, a real getaway from the stresses of the working week. Many thanks Helen and Chris!

I booked this as a birthday treat & Chris was very accommodating re rearranging when my partner was ill.However the experience itself was extremely disappointing the class ‘teacher’ was fairly disengaged. For the cost & duration we were not even offered a cup of coffee.The techniques were explained briefly & there was a complete lack of detail, enthusiasm and no sense of making the session fun! It was very dry & very disappointing. We picked up our pieces today after around 10 weeks & again disappointed for £150 we have 3 mugs & 3 bowls which are faurly rubbish. The finishes were not as we expected but there was no explanation of what to chose/expect.I would not spend this amount of money if i knew this is what we were going to get; its also a difficult location although there is parking.On the day we attended it was hot hence a drink would have been nice but the ‘teacher’ was more interested in her own work & getting to the Eurovision party she was attending very poor

Have been going here for quite a few years now, it's been a great way to meet new people and gain new skills. Chris and Helen are always helpful and supportive and I've learned a lot from them, great bit of escapism, loved every minute!

Baltic Clay has been an awesome experience for me. After doing a Saturday taster class with Chris I decided to take a 12 week course. The course was led by Helen, who was so patient not just with me, but, with all the attendees. Now I have completed the course I have become a proud member of Baltic Clay. This is because of the space, the people and the thorough classes given and how I learned so much in these classes. Helen and Chris are two of the nicest people I’ve ever had as a tutor and I can say this because I have done a few degrees one being a fine art and history degree and I have learned so much which I will use and take forward. The space is very relaxing and uplifting and I feel safe which is important to me as I suffer from many issues one being social anxiety. I always champion art in helping with mental health and I have benefited from attending Baltic clay and there is nothing negative I could find with Baltic Clay. So if you’re curious, a beginner I would fully recommend trying one of the taster days and see for yourself.

Went to a beginner’s pottery class here today, it was brilliant I had so much fun.Would highly recommend to anyone interested in giving pottery a go.

My partner and I love coming here! We started as complete beginners and are now able to mostly work independently.The studio has a good selection of tools, glazes and equipment suitable for beginners or professionals.Helen and Chris are kind, knowledgeable and are always happy to help!

I took the 12 week beginners course with Baltic Clay and I loved it so much that I decided to join the Clay Club that Baltic Clay run. I loved learning about all the different possible techniques and definitely found some favourite ways of working.Helen taught our class and she is so knowledgeable and always happy to answer any questions and give advice.The studio is light and welcoming and there’s always plenty of space to work.

I started as a total beginner 18 months ago and can now build and glaze my own designs with little help from Chris who is still happy to offer any advice when needed. Chris makes Ceramics accessible to everybody, and I quickly learnt how easy it was to hand build.There is nothing better than using kitchenware you have made yourself, and waiting to see how your glaze experiments turn out. The studio is spacious and welcoming and easy to find. I’ve found a really relaxing and fulfilling hobby with like minded people (and you don’t even need to go near a wheel if you don’t want to!) im now a clay clubber and can pretty much turn up whenever I like for as long as I like with a very small weigh and pay fee for finished products…

I can’t tell you enough how great Baltic Clay is, whether you’re a complete beginner (like I was!) or an expert who needs some studio space, it’s a lovely welcoming space.Chris is a wonderful teacher, who has created a relaxed and friendly environment. He’s really knowledgeable, encouraging and can help guide you through whatever projects or pieces you have in mind.Also, the new studio is a gorgeous space and the golden hour light shining in makes those evening classes extra special.I would recommend Baltic clay to anyone thinking of trying ceramics or looking for somewhere new to get stuck in ☺️

Great Saturday classes for beginners