Studio A5: The Clay Yard Members Space

Throughout the Summer we have been enjoying the company of 17 individuals who have been working in the studio on their own projects. They have been exceptionally creative and their work they have produced has been joyful to see.

Whilst they’ve been busy in the studio in Unit A4 (now Studio A4), next door has been shaping up for a permanent members’ space for those interested in continuing to make outside of the scheduled classroom timetable.

Since taking the keys on the 23 July, I’ve been pondering on how I would make the space as good as it can get for our members. All I asked myself was “What would I like from a membership of a pottery studio?” So here’s what I’ve come up with…

• Bright and airy and lots of natural daylight

• Easy to get to - by bike, walking, bus or car

• Really good machinery - a potters’ wheel, a slab-roller and even an extruder

• Clay that is thoughtfully sourced and easy to manage

• Adequate storage space

• Lovely ways to decorate surface (slips and definitely glazes)

• A bit of tech support if I need it and a sense of skill-sharing and support from other potters

• Lovely people to connect with and make friends with

• Someone else to load the kiln and set the firing programme for me

• The chance to challenge and stretch myself exploring at my own pace.

Studio A5 aims to fulfil the needs of members and will grow and develop into all of the above. The systems that have helped to make pottery classes stress-free and enjoyable for so many potters will underpin the management of the routines and practice in Studio A5.