Beginner Pottery
Classes & Workshops
Join our friendly pottery classes for beginners at
The Clay Collective in Market Harborough.
Join us for a fun and relaxing course learning how to create beautiful ceramics with the wheel and by hand-building! This 8-week beginner-friendly course is perfect if you want to learn the foundations of pottery and practise with the watchful and encouraging eye of our experienced, passionate tutors.
You'll be part of a small, friendly group, which means you'll get lots of personal attention and encouragement every single step of the way.
There's no rushing here — just a warm, supportive space where you're free to explore, experiment, and grow at your own pace. Over eight weeks, you'll follow our step-by-step method to learn how to use the wheel and handbuild to create your own pottery pieces — from preparing and centring the clay right through to trimming, decorating, and glazing them into beautiful finished pieces you'll be truly proud of. By the end of the course, you'll have a solid foundation in pottery and a real taste of different disciplines to inspire your onward creative journey.
Whether you're looking for a new creative outlet, a mindful escape from the everyday, or simply something fun and sociable to try, this course offers all of that and so much more. Pottery has a wonderful way of quietening the mind and bringing you fully into the present moment — and we think you'll absolutely love it.
No experience is needed — just come ready to get your hands dirty and have a great time!
What's included:
8 sessions (1 x 2½ hours per week) of hands-on pottery covering pinch pots, slab projects, throwing & glazing
All materials, tools, and equipment
Firing of your favourite pieces
Tea & coffee (and sometimes biccies)
Come along for a creative escape — slow down, unwind, and discover the joy of pottery.
Next courses start Week Commencing 22nd June 2026 (various dates available)
£300 per person all inclusive (a deposit of £100 secures your space)
Other courses offered
Beginner Pottery Tasters
If you've always wanted to try pottery, and want to dip your toes in without commitment, then an experience session may be for you. Come along for a wheel throwing or hand-building taster and try your hand at pottery, just for fun!
Not ready to dive in yet? Join our mailing list to receive news of future workshops & courses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which course is best for me?
If you've never tried pottery before, the 8 week foundation covers multiple techniques, allowing you to discover all that's available.
If you've attended a throwing taster and enjoyed it so much you want to dive in and improve, then this may be for you.
If you're wanting to wind down and relax while learning a beautiful craft, the Mindful hand-building course is a slower paced course with smaller class size.
Still not sure - drop us a message and we'll talk you through the options.
Do I need any experience?
Nope! All our beginner courses are designed for complete beginners. We’ll guide you through everything step by step.
What should I wear?
Wear comfy clothes you don’t mind getting a bit messy (warm layers in cooler months). Aprons are provided, but clay can get everywhere! Closed, warm, comfortable shoes are best. The pottery can be cool, even in summer, so we advise bringing layers of warmer clothing.
What will I make?
You’ll learn to throw basic forms like bowls, cups, or small vases. You’ll choose your favourite pieces to be fired (fair use policy). Not all pieces will be ready to take home by the end of the course (every part of the process takes time), but you can arrange to collect them at a later date, or book a drop-in session to collect or complete any unfinished works.
Do I get to keep what I make?
Yes! We’ll fire your favourite pieces once they're dry. In the final week you can either glaze your pieces or continue wheel practise. Pieces glazed during the course will be ready for collection in about 2 weeks (or we can post them to you for a fee which will be arranged before you leave).
What’s the studio like?
The space is a working pottery and has all the tools and space you'll need. And with small classes, it’s quiet, peaceful and welcoming.
This was such an amazing experience. A real taste in such a lovely environment. Definitely would recommend
Wendy
Great experience! Very informative and helpful teacher. We had a lovely time - appreciated the complimentary teas :) definitely recommend and would go back.
J Howes
★★★★★
★★★★★
The Clay Collective
87 St Mary's Road,
Market Harborough
LE16 7DT
play@theclaycollective.co.uk
© 2026. All rights reserved.
