Open Studio

British Ceramics Biennial provides open-access ceramics facilities in Stoke-on-Trent. We run our studio from the historic Spode Works factory site in the centre of the city. Sessions are booked on a pay-as-you go basis. Please note, new studio members must read the studio guidelines and complete our studio membership form before booking a session on Eventbrite. 

Please read our FAQ’s below for more information and how to book.

 

In order to keep everyone safe and keep the space open, please do not come in if you are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19. If you have already made a booking contact us at to be issued a refund.

When in the studio: 

– Sanitise hands on entry and at regular intervals
– Wear a face covering at all times
– Register on NHS Track and Trace using the link displayed in the studio
– Maintain a distance of 2m
– Sanitise all tools and work area after use

 

When do the Open Studio sessions take place?

Mondays: 1-6pm 

Thursdays: 1-4.30pm and 4.30-8pm or 1-6pm

(On Thursdays we offer 3.5hr sessions and a 5hr session to accomodate members’ time schedules.)

 

How much does each session cost?

Monday & Thursday 5 hour sessions cost £8.50

Thursday 3.5 hour sessions are £6.

Each session must be booked individually. The sessions include access to the space and equipment plus the firing of work made during the sessions.

 

How do I book a session?

Bookings are made through our Eventbrite. Sessions for Monday and Thursday are listed separately.

For each session, choose either a hand building space (in the main part of the studio) or a throwing space (in the adjoining part of the studio). There are currently 7 hand building spaces and 4 wheel spaces to adhere to social distancing guidelines.
There will be space for you to store your belongings underneath your workspace. There will be a set of tools provided for each workspace, but if you have tools of your own you would like to use please bring them along).

NOTE: Before attending your first session, both current and new studio members must read the studio guidelines and complete a membership form. Please fill out the studio membership form and send to studio@britishceramicsbiennial.com before your first session.

 

What equipment do you have at the studio? 

Potter’s wheels x4 

Slab roller 

Extruder and dies 

Moulds suitable for press moulding and slip casting 

Blunger 

Drying cupboard 

Kilns (up to stoneware temperatures) 

Hand-building tools 

Screen printing equipment 

Digital transfer printer 

 

What if I have my own studio but need somewhere to fire my work?

We are continuing to offer a firing service for makers who want to make outside of the studio but need access to a kiln.

 

I would like to use the studio but I can’t afford the cost at this time.

If you would like to make use of the Open Studio, but feel your financial situation is currently a barrier to this, please get in touch and we can discuss alternative opportunities available to you.

 

What safety measures have been put in place?

Your health and safety is important to us. We will continually review the use of the studio and amend working practices as appropriate. Changes to the studio include:
  • Hot water! 
  • Individual workspaces 
  • Hand sanitiser 

 

If you have any questions or concerns, please do talk to us at studio@britishceramicsbiennial.com.
Studio Guidelines