The BCB Studio, based on the historic Spode Works factory site, provides open-access ceramics facilities in Stoke-on-Trent. It is a place to create with clay, meet others, develop ideas, explore ceramics processes and refine making skills.
Membership benefits
Membership is for those who are confident working with clay and would like to work independently.
A studio membership grants you:
- Access to the BCB Studio during open sessions, run on Mondays and Thursdays from 1 – 8pm
- A shelf space for storage and access to communal working tables, general clay tools and equipment
- A communal kitchen with a kettle and fridge
Studio members are able to pay by volume for kiln firings for more flexible working. In addition, members paying for firing in the studio will have access to in-house glazes for their pieces.
Studio equipment
The team at the studio are on hand to help you use the equipment safely, which will require you to sign up for an induction before use.
- Potter’s wheels x3
- Slab roller
- Extruder and dies
- Moulds suitable for press moulding and slip casting
- Slip casting bench
- Drying cupboard
- Kilns (up to stoneware temperatures)
- Hand-building tools
- Digital transfer printer
How to become a member
New memberships are available at the BCB Studio.
To apply to become a member, please register your interest by completing our online form, which includes a short eligibility quiz. Applicants who successfully pass the quiz will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Once we have reached capacity, applicants will be added to our waiting list in the order in which they applied.
Applications close: 6pm, Friday 30 October 2026
Replies by: Monday 6 November 2026
Start date: from Monday 12 November 2026
Cost
£25 per month with a minimum commitment of six months. Please note that studio membership will rise to £30 per month from January 2027. The membership cost will be fixed at this rate for 2 years.
If you have your own working space but need to hire a kiln for firing your work, we have a firing service available. Please visit our Firing Service page for more information.
Access
- The BCB Studio has flat access via lift (115 cm x 93 cm, max load 400kg)
- Accessible toilets are available
- Assistance dogs welcome
If you have any questions regarding access please email studio@britishceramicsbiennial.com.
Support
The new BCB Studio has been made possible with funding from Historic England and Stoke-on-Trent City Council via the High Streets Heritage Action Zone alongside generous support from Stoke Creates and local philanthropists via the 2024 Big Give Arts for Impact campaign.