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.
Our membership system has changed in response to Covid-19. We now run four 3.5 hours sessions per week that can be booked on a pay-as-you go basis.
Please read our FAQ’s below for more information and how to book.
Covid Safety Guidelines
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?
The sessions take place Monday: 1pm – 4.30pm, Thursday: 1pm – 4.30pm and 5pm – 8.30pm. You can attend as many sessions as you like. The studio will close for half an hour between the two sessions for cleaning.
How much does each session cost?
Each session costs £6 and must be booked individually. The sessions include access to the space and equipment for 3.5 hours plus the firing of work made during the sessions.
How do I become an Open Studio member?
New studio members must read the studio guidelines and complete our studio membership form before booking a session on Eventbrite.
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 are tools available to use in the workshop.If you have tools of your own you would like to use please bring them along.
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:
- 2 shorter sessions per week to allow for cleaning times.
- Hot water!
- Individual workspaces
- Plastic dividing screens
- Tool quarantine
- Hand sanitiser
Contact Us
If you have any questions or concerns, please do talk to us at studio@britishceramicsbiennial.com.