Guest Potter Workshops
Frequently Asked Questions
Will you fire my work?
We will usually bisque fire a small selection of pieces following a workshop. Each Guest Potter Workshop is different, however, so please refer to your individual Guest Potter Workshop webpage for the firing information for your course.
Will you glaze my work?
We do not offer a glazing service so cannot glaze your work for you. It may, however, be possible for you to return to the studio to glaze your work by booking a glazing session. Please speak to a member of staff to discuss this before booking. You are welcome to take greenware away with should you wish to. Alternatively you can take your bisque fired work away with you to glaze elsewhere.
can I take my work away with me on the day?
You are free to take your greenware away with you at the end of the workshop if you would like to bisque fire it elsewhere. Alternatively, we will bisque a small selection of work for you to collect at a later date.
how long will you keep my work until I am able to collect it?
We will keep students’ work for up to two months following a workshop. We cannot keep it any longer than this as we do not have sufficient storage space.
what happens if I can’t come back to collect it?
If you are unable to return to the studio to collect your work following a workshop, you can either take your greenware away on the day, or we may be able to post it to you. To request this, please email: info@theceramicstudio.co.uk for details.
how much does it cost to post my work?
We charge a standard administration fee of £20 to post out any work on top of the firing charges (this covers packaging and staff time to prepare the pieces).
You will also be required to cover the full cost of postage from The Ceramic Studio to your chosen address. We will be able to give you an estimation of cost once the pieces have been packaged and the parcel has been weighed. We use DHL Express to ship pieces and follow their postage prices.
The Ceramic Studio will package each piece as carefully as possible, but we cannot be held responsible for any damage caused during shipping.
do I have to pay to fire my work?
Yes, the following firing charges will apply:
£5 per 500g for glazed work
£6 per 500g for glazed work with oxide
£10 per 500g for any glazed work over 30cm in height or width
£2 per 500g for work that is bisque fired but not glazed
I am a beginner, can I book a course?
Yes! Not all our Guest Potter Workshops are suitable for beginners but some certainly are. Please refer to the individual Guest Potter Workshop webpage for details of the level/experience required.
can I take pictures while I am on the course?
We would love you to share images you take at The Ceramic Studio but you must make sure you have permission to do so by anyone featured within them. If you are unsure if photo consent has been give please only show images of yourself and your work.
is lunch provided?
Yes! A two course lunch is provided every day of a Guest Potter Workshop. We will ask you to confirm your dietary requirements beforehand.
are refreshments provided?
Yes! We offer a Welcome Breakfast on the first day of each Guest Potter Workshop, and morning and afternoon refreshments will also be provided each day. These will include teas, coffees, sweet treats and a selection of fruit.
can you cater for my dietary requirements?
Yes! Please ensure you provide details of any dietary requirements at the time of booking. We cannot cater for all dietary preferences but if you have any allergies of intolerances please let us know.
what should I wear?
We suggest you were something comfortable and bring an apron or cover-up with you if you have one. Please wear closed-toed shoes as we do not allow open-toed shoes in the studio. Valuables should be left at home and long hair tied back.
what should I bring?
Please refer to your pre-workshop information email - this will be sent out to you around two weeks before your workshop. If you are required to do any pre-workshop preparation, or to bring anything with you, details will be given here.
where can I stay if I am travelling from afar?
We have a number of suggestions for places to stay near by the studio. Please have a look at our Travel & Accommodation Information here.
where is the studio?
The studio is easily accessible from Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge and Paddock Wood and is set in a converted barn within a beautiful apple orchard. The address can be found below and the GPS coordinates to the entrance of the studio are: 4CWF+H58 Tonbridge
The Ceramic Studio
The Old Workshop
Hononton Farm
Furnace Lane
Brenchley
TN12 7BX
Please note that you must enter via the Furnace Lane entrance only, and not via Palmers Green Road. The GPS coordinates above will take you to the correct entrance. There is an electric gate which will open upon approach.
There are no taxis near the studio. You can pre-book a taxi to collect you from Paddock Wood station, which is a 10 minute drive away from the studio.
is there free parking at the studio?
Yes. There is free parking directly outside the studio. We do ask that you are mindful when parking so that we can maximise the space we have and also to be respectful of our neighbours.
can I charge my electric vehicle at the studio?
Unfortunately we do not have the facilities to charge electric vehicles at the studio. If you are travelling from afar and need advice as to where you can charge your vehicle, please get in touch at: info@theceramicstudio.co.uk
do I need to clear up every day?
Yes, all students must clean their work space at the end of each session. We ask that students leave the studio as they would like to find it. When cleaning the wheels please ensure that they are switched off and ensure any tools you have used are cleaned and put back where they belong.
Always clean with a damp sponge/cloth and do not sweep as clay dust can be bad for your health.
I need to cancel, can I get a refund?
Please refer to our Guest Potter Workshop Cancellation policy as to whether you are entitled to a refund here.
What happens if I’m ill on the day or can’t attend for another reason?
Unfortunately we will not be able to offer you a refund or an alternative session without adequate notice as we will not be able to fill your space. You can see full details of our policies on our terms and conditions page.
Can I pay in instalments?
Yes, you will have the option to pay in full or to pay in instalments when you book your place. If you choose to pay in instalments we will be in touch with a payment plan once we have received your booking.
I have a gift voucher, Can I use it for a guest potter workshop?
Yes, gift vouchers can be used for any course at The Ceramic Studio.
How do I redeem my gift voucher?
You can redeem your gift voucher by booking online for a workshop or course. Once you have added the session or course you would like to attend to your basket you can proceed to the checkout where you will be given the option to enter a ‘Gift or Discount Code’ to redeem your voucher.
Does my gift voucher have an expiry date?
E-vouchers are valid indefinitely. Card vouchers should always be accompanied by a copy of an e-voucher which will contain a booking code.
We no longer issue card vouchers without having an e-voucher order. If you do have an old card voucher this will have an expiry date which will be one year from the date that it was issued.
Wheelchair Access
Our studio is wheelchair accessible to the majority of users with standard sized chairs. There is a wheelchair-accessible toilet in the new studio, The Grainstore, which can be accessed easily from the car park. All Guest Potter Workshops take place in The Grainstore. Unfortunately we do not have any wheelchair accessible pottery wheels but our benches are suitable for wheelchair users to hand build or sculpt.
If you have a questions which has not been answered by any of the above, you may find the answer in our Terms and Conditions, or in our Student Contract pages. If you have another questions please feel free to get in touch and we will be happy to help.
