Getting Started with Pottery
Never touched clay before? This is everything you need to know about starting pottery in the UK. Class types, costs, what to expect, and how to find your first studio.
Step 1: Choose Your First Class Type
Taster sessions (2-3 hours)
Best for: Testing if pottery is for you before committing to a full course.
What happens: Quick introduction to wheel throwing or hand building. Make 1-2 simple pieces like a bowl or mug. Instructor guides you through every step. Pieces get fired and you collect them 2-4 weeks later.
💰 Cost: £35-£70 | ⏰ Time: One evening or afternoon | ✅ Perfect for gifts, dates, or solo adventures
Beginner courses (6-8 weeks)
Best for: Learning proper foundations and developing consistent skills.
What happens: Weekly 2-hour sessions covering centering, throwing, trimming, glazing. Build muscle memory and confidence. Make multiple functional pieces you will actually use daily. Progress from wobbly bowls to decent mugs.
💰 Cost: £160-£300 total | ⏰ Time: 2 hours/week for 6-8 weeks | ✅ Best value for serious learning
Workshops (half day / full day)
Best for: Intensive learning on specific techniques like hand building or sculpture.
What happens: Deep dive into one method over 3-6 hours. More time to experiment and refine. Often themed like "Make a Set of Bowls" or "Sculptural Forms." Great for people who prefer intensive learning over weekly commitment.
💰 Cost: £65-£150 | ⏰ Time: 3-6 hours in one day | ✅ Good for focused skill building
Step 2: Wheel Throwing vs Hand Building
Most beginners ask this question. The answer: try both if you can. But here is how they differ:
🔄 Wheel Throwing
The classic pottery wheel experience. Clay spins while you shape it into symmetrical forms like bowls, mugs, vases. Requires coordination and focus.
Pros: Satisfying once you get it. Makes functional pieces quickly. Feels impressive. Great for making sets.
Cons: Steep learning curve. Centering clay takes practice. Can be frustrating at first. Wonky pots are guaranteed initially.
✋ Hand Building
Working clay with your hands, no wheel. Techniques include pinching, coiling, slab building. More sculptural and forgiving.
Pros: Immediate results. More creative freedom. Less technique-heavy. Makes unique sculptural pieces. Relaxing and meditative.
Cons: Slower for making functional sets. Less "classic pottery" feeling. Pieces can be less symmetrical (which some see as a pro).
Beginner tip: Start with hand building if you want easy wins and relaxation. Choose wheel throwing if you crave that classic pottery challenge. Many beginner courses teach both.
Step 3: What Happens in Your First Class
Every studio runs differently, but here is the typical flow:
Arrival & welcome (10 mins) - Get settled
Arrive at the studio, wash hands, put on an apron. Instructor welcomes everyone, explains what you will be making, and gives a quick studio tour. You will probably be nervous. Everyone is.
Demonstration (15 mins) - Watch and learn
Instructor demonstrates the technique—how to wedge clay, center it on the wheel, or shape it by hand. Looks easy when they do it. Spoiler: it is not, but that is fine. You learn by trying.
Hands-on practice (60-90 mins) - The main event
Now you try! Get your hands muddy, feel clay move under your fingers, embrace the chaos. Instructor helps you individually. Expect laughter, mild frustration, and surprise when something actually works. Most people make 1-3 pieces.
Finishing & cleanup (15 mins) - Select keepers
Choose your 1-2 favorite pieces for the studio to fire. Smooth edges, add your name to the base. Wash clay off hands (it gets everywhere—under nails, in hair, on shoes). Chat with other beginners about the experience.
Collection (2-4 weeks later) - Your first pottery
Return to collect your fired and glazed pieces. They will be harder, smoother, and ready to use. That wonky bowl you made? It holds soup perfectly. You are officially a potter now.
Essential Pottery Terms (No Jargon, Promise)
Bisque: Clay that has been fired once but not glazed yet. Looks chalky and cream colored.
Centering: Getting clay to spin perfectly in the middle of the wheel. The hardest part of wheel throwing.
Throwing: Making pottery on the wheel. Nothing gets thrown. Confusing name.
Trimming: Carving excess clay off the bottom of a piece when it is leather hard.
Glaze: Glass coating that makes pottery waterproof and adds color. Applied before the second firing.
Leather hard: Clay that is firm but still slightly damp. Perfect for trimming and adding handles.
Wedging: Kneading clay to remove air bubbles. Like kneading bread dough.
Kiln: The oven that fires pottery to super high temperatures (1000°C+).
Common Beginner Questions Answered
How much does it cost to start pottery as a beginner?
A taster session costs £35-£70 for 2-3 hours and includes everything—clay, tools, instruction, and firing. Six-week courses cost £160-£300 total (works out to £25-£50 per session). You do not need to buy anything upfront. Studios provide all materials. The only cost is the class itself. Once you get hooked, you might spend £30-£60 on basic home tools (wire cutter, sponge, ribbon tool), but that is optional for the first few months.
Do I need any artistic ability to start pottery?
No artistic ability needed. Pottery is a physical skill, not an artistic one. Being good at drawing or painting does not predict pottery success. You learn by doing—centering clay, pulling up walls, shaping forms. Your hands build muscle memory through repetition. Everyone starts bad at it. The difference is practice, not talent. If you can follow instructions and enjoy getting messy, you can do pottery.
What should I wear to my first pottery class?
Wear comfortable, washable clothes you do not mind getting clay on. Avoid white or fancy outfits. Studios provide aprons, but clay splashes. Wear closed-toe shoes (clay is slippery on floors). Tie back long hair. Remove rings, watches, and bracelets—clay gets stuck in settings and can scratch your work. Trim your nails short for wheel throwing. Some people bring a change of clothes. The mess is part of the experience. Embrace it.
How long does it take to learn pottery?
You will make something in your very first class. Basic hand building skills develop in 3-6 sessions. Wheel throwing takes longer—expect 6-10 sessions before you can center clay consistently and throw recognizable bowls. After 3-6 months of weekly practice, you will be making decent functional pieces. Mastery takes years, but the joy starts immediately. Focus on the process, not perfection. Your wonky first mug becomes your favorite mug.
Can I do pottery at home without a kiln?
You cannot fire pottery at home without a kiln. Kilns cost £600-£2000+ and need special electrical setup. However, many UK studios offer kiln hire or open studio sessions where you make pieces and they fire them for you (£5-£15 per piece). Some studios sell unfired clay for home practice and you return pieces for firing. Air-dry clay exists but is not waterproof and cannot be used for functional pottery like mugs. Join a pottery studio with kiln access instead.
Is pottery good for mental health and stress relief?
Yes, pottery is incredibly therapeutic. Working with clay requires focus, which quiets your mind and creates a meditative flow state. The tactile nature is calming. You disconnect from screens and to-do lists. Many people describe pottery as grounding and stress-relieving. It is also social—you make things alongside others without pressure to chat constantly. The repetitive motions of throwing are meditative. Plus you create something tangible you can use daily. Lots of potters start for fun and discover mental health benefits.
What if I am terrible at it?
You will be terrible at first. Everyone is. Pottery has a steep learning curve. Your first attempts will wobble, collapse, or go wonky. This is completely normal. The instructor expects it. Other students are in the same boat. Clay is forgiving—you can wedge it up and start again. The wonky pieces have the most character anyway. Embrace the mess and the mistakes. That is how you learn. By session 5 or 6, you will be amazed at your progress. The joy is in the making, not the outcome.
Can I take pottery classes if I have mobility issues?
Yes, many studios are accessible. Pottery can be done seated at wheels or tables. Hand building is particularly accessible. Look for studios that mention wheelchair access, adjustable height wheels, or seated options. When booking, contact the studio directly to discuss your needs. Most instructors are happy to adapt techniques. Some studios specialize in inclusive pottery classes. Check individual studio profiles for accessibility information.
Continue Your Pottery Journey
Ready to book your first class? Or want to read more about pottery techniques and tips?
Ready to Get Started?
Choose your city above to find welcoming studios, or explore all pottery classes across the UK. No experience necessary. Everyone starts somewhere.