Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it possible to start the beginner level ceramics classes without a prior qualification or training?

Yes, our Introduction and Level 1 courses are designed for complete beginners. Spread over 8 weeks, they introduce the pottery fundamentals, hand building and wheel throwing.

Do I need to take the Introduction class before Foundation level 1?

Our Foundation level 1 courses are suitable for complete beginners, so you don’t need to take the Introduction first.

Can I move to a more advanced level of study after Beginner Level 1?

Yes, our classes are levelled in terms of progression so you can study with us from beginner to intermediate and advanced levels. Many of our potters who started at level 1 are now working professionally in their own studios. Once you have completed level 3 you can apply to join our partner studio, Edinburgh Ceramics Workshop, where you can practise everything you have been taught and work towards becoming a pro potter or skilled passionate amateur.

When will my work be fired and ready after class?

We will work to have everything fired three to four weeks from your last class date. Our technicians will send you an email with the collection dates.

I didn’t receive a mail about collections from my class?

Please check your spam/junk box for collection mails. You will receive one at the email address used at the time of booking. This may not be yours if someone else booked on your behalf.

What if I can’t make the collection time or date?

Sometimes people are out of town and can’t make the collection dates. We simply ask you to have someone pick up your ware on your behalf. We can’t store ware for more than three weeks after the collection date.

Do I need to bring anything?

We supply all the tools, equipment and materials necessary to complete our courses. We ask you to bring your own apron.

Do I get to work on the potter’s wheel?

Yes, all our Foundation levels 1 and 2 classes have hand building and wheel throwing at their core. These are the pottery fundamentals. Strong foundations last a  lifetime, and these skills are the pottery bedrock.

Can I take my work home?

Yes, you will make lots of pieces in each class, the best of which you will edit for firing and take home. Remember the value within the classes is in the teaching and learning and as you progress you will make more and more quality ware.

My work is damaged. How did this happen?

Ware can become damaged during firing. Water molecules in the clay vaporise during firing and if there are bubbles in the clay the water can’t escape, cracks and breaks may occur. This can be because the clay wasn’t wedged properly. If the glaze has been applied too thickly and it runs during firing, this can damage surrounding ware as well as the kiln shelving.

Technical faults also happen which can’t be predicted. The kiln might not fire to the correct temperature if an element blows for example. We are a busy studio and sometimes (although rarely) ware is damaged in transit to the kiln. These are all common occurrences in pottery studios and most studio potters allow for a 15% failure rate. It’s all part of the learning experience.

Can I make up a class if I miss one?

Our classes are almost always fully booked so it isn’t possible to move people around if you miss a class. We teach in discreet blocks, so we recommend that you take one class at a time with one teacher and follow that programme. We know from experience that students learn faster and more effectively this way. People do often miss a class or two in a block for work or social reasons, yet there is time in the programme to catch up. We don’t recommend missing more than two sessions in an eight-week block.

Are courses refundable?

You can request a full refund if you mail us no later than 14 days before the course start date. If you cancel your place 7 to 14 days before the course starts, we will refund 50% of the course fee. If you cancel within 7 days of the course starting, we cannot refund your course fee.

Can I get a discount for classes?

We have seen too many good studios go bust over the years through shaky foundations so it’s important for us as a studio that we survive solely on our income. We don’t take taxpayers money through grant funding. We have built a sustainable business since 2012 but margins are always tight, and we are unable offer discounts for classes.

Can I swap to a different class if I can’t make all the dates?

Our classes are almost always fully booked so it isn’t possible to swap into other classes if you miss one. We recommend that students take one block at a time with one teacher and that students think carefully before booking a class to ensure that they can make the dates and get the most from the experience.

I can’t finish my course for an unforeseen reason, can I have a refund?

Once a course has started, we are unable to offer a refund. This is because we can no longer sell your space and we need to cover our costs.

Can I pay via a different method other than PayPal?

We streamline our payments through PayPal. This helps us manage our administration costs and keep our prices competitive. It isn’t possible to pay manually.

Is there an age minimum for the classes / can I bring my child?

Our classes are suitable for students 11 years and over. Students must be able to work independently, follow instructions and be able to concentrate for the duration of the class on core tasks.

Safety is our priority, so we are unable to allow people in the studio who are not enrolled in the class unless they are visiting and accompanied by our staff.

When do the next terms of classes get released?

Foundation classes are released one block at a time. New classes are released with plenty time to book.

If you want a heads up on release date news, you can follow our Edinburgh Ceramics Workshop studio on Instagram. Here we release the new block news as it happens. 

https://www.instagram.com/edinburghceramicsworkshop/

How much ware can I make on my course?

The value in our classes in in the learning and teaching and not in production. Pottery is a craft which takes dedicate practice to master. It is better to take time to craft a few pieces which demonstrate your skill and dedication. You will edit the best of your ware for decoration and firing and to take home.

Can I bring in my own clay and glaze?

Our studios are regulated for safety so you cannot bring your own clay or glaze into our studios.

Is pottery practice dangerous?

Working with clay isn’t dangerous although people can have allergies. This is rare.

Some glaze materials can be hazardous, however, if these are used you will receive a full safety induction beforehand.

Is the Art & Design Pottery Foundation or HND best for me to enrol on?

We level students on our professional courses depending on their experience. 

For each of these courses you need a portfolio showing examples of your work to date. We will look at these to gauge the best starting point for you which may be the Foundation portfolio building course or the professional level HND if you are ready for it.

We know that when we get people on the right level it builds confidence, and they are more successful.

When can I join the Edinburgh Ceramics Workshop?

The Edinburgh Ceramics Workshop is our partner studio suitable for advanced amateurs, emerging, and semi-pro potters.

ECW is the centre for ceramics practice in Scotland. Once you have studied to at least Foundation level 3 and you are ready to work self-directed, then you can apply to join the workshop.

Do you provide a firing service?

Our kilns run to capacity, so we are unable to provide a firing service. We can open up our kilns to local pro potters who have an emergency.

Do you sell ceramics or take commissions?

Our pro and semi-pro potters sell work at studio open events. Please look out for dates.

We don’t directly engage in commissions, but we have 35 makers working on our pro Edinburgh Ceramics Workshop studios. Please feel free to leave a note for them in their studio.

Can I visit the studio?

Ours studios are workshops with moving equipment, so we keep them closed to the public for safety reasons and so that our potters can practice in a peaceful environment. If you want to look round before joining a class, we can organise a visit with one of our technicians if you contact us in advance.