Studio atmosphere
Kiln House Arts is run by Helen Johnston from her own home studio in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire. Creativity has always been central to who Helen is: as a qualified teacher and SENDCo, she spent over 25 years helping people discover their confidence, develop new skills and enjoy the process of learning. Several years ago she discovered pottery and was completely hooked, and what began as a curiosity quickly became a passion for taking a simple lump of clay and transforming it into something beautiful, functional and completely unique. Today Helen has created a welcoming, relaxed and friendly studio space for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy being creative, offering wheel throwing, hand-building, glazing and fused glass workshops alongside one-to-one tuition, small group sessions and bespoke workshops. Kiln House Arts also has a shop selling Helen's handmade pottery and fused glass creations, ideal for a unique piece to enhance a home or make a wonderful gift.
Classes & programs
Helen offers a range of workshops including hand-building with clay, pottery wheel throwing, glazing workshops and fused glass workshops, along with holiday workshops for younger makers. Class types cover beginners classes through to advanced workshops, dedicated kids classes, and sculpture. As well as regular scheduled classes, Helen offers one-to-one private tuition, small group sessions and bespoke workshops for anyone wanting to explore a particular technique or project, whether that's wheel throwing, hand-building, glazing or fused glass.
Schedule & availability
Kiln House Arts runs weekend workshops and evening classes to suit a range of schedules, alongside its regular class programme. Private lessons and bespoke small group sessions can be arranged flexibly to fit a particular technique, occasion or project. Get in touch directly with Helen to check current availability and book a place.
Facilities & tools
The studio is based at Helen's home studio at 42 Thorley Park Road in Bishop's Stortford, fitted out for both pottery and fused glass work with kiln access on site. The space is wheelchair accessible and parking is available, making it easy to visit for a class or to browse the on-site shop of handmade pottery and glass pieces.
Pricing
Pricing varies by class, workshop and private tuition format. Contact Helen directly via helen@kilnhousearts.co.uk or 07456858808 for current prices and availability, or visit kilnhousearts.co.uk for booking details.
Best for
Kiln House Arts welcomes people of all ages and abilities, from complete beginners to more advanced potters looking to develop their skills further. The range of formats, from small group experiences to one-to-one personal tuition, suits anyone celebrating a special occasion, looking for a mindful new hobby, or simply wanting to try something different with clay and glass. Kids classes make it a good option for younger makers too, and the shop of handmade pieces appeals to anyone after a unique gift or a special piece for the home.
FAQs
Do I need any experience to join a class at Kiln House Arts?
No experience is necessary. Kiln House Arts welcomes people of all ages and abilities, with beginners classes covering the fundamentals of wheel throwing, hand-building, glazing and fused glass alongside advanced workshops for those wanting to progress further.
What crafts does Kiln House Arts teach?
Helen teaches pottery, including wheel throwing, hand-building, glazing and sculpture, as well as fused glass creations, across small group classes, workshops and private tuition.
Can I book private or one-to-one lessons?
Yes. As well as regular classes, Helen offers one-to-one tuition, small group sessions and bespoke workshops if there's a particular technique or project you'd like to explore.
Do you run classes for kids?
Yes, Kiln House Arts offers kids classes alongside its adult and mixed-ability workshops.
Is the studio accessible?
Yes, the studio is wheelchair accessible and has parking available on site.
Can I buy handmade pottery or glass pieces at the studio?
Yes, Kiln House Arts has a shop selling Helen's handmade pottery and fused glass creations, ideal for a unique piece to enhance your home or as a gift.
Where is Kiln House Arts located?
The studio is at 42 Thorley Park Road, Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire, CM23 3NQ.
How do I book a class or find out more?
Contact Helen directly by email at helen@kilnhousearts.co.uk or by phone on 07456858808, or visit kilnhousearts.co.uk for more information and bookings.
