About us
James
Studio owner James produces work for sale but also loves to open his studio to introduce others to this very mindful and therapeutic art form.
In contrast to many other pottery lessons where people are taught in large groups and often given a lump of clay and 'left to get on with it', we only have a maximum of two at a time for wheel-throwing sessions. This means that you will have the tutor's attention throughout. The emphasis is on proper, attentive and focused tuition, and exploring a different, more gentle approach to throwing - working with the clay rather than against it. James enjoys passing on these techniques, especially to those who have previously been told they must 'wrestle' with the clay.
James is a qualified teacher so has an understanding of different learning styles and the need for a safe and encouraging learning environment - and whilst there is always plenty of time to play and experiment, you will be working to clear, specific objectives
- Sessions are conducted at the following times, please state your preferred days and times when making an enquiry, and please also note that Saturday sessions tend to involve booking a fair bit in advance -
Mondays - Thursdays 1000-1200, 1230-1430, 1800-2000
Fridays - 1000-1200, 1230-1430
Saturdays - 1230-1430, 1500-1700
- Frequently asked questions
Do I need to bring anything? - No, just short fingernails for throwing! You may wish to bring an apron, and please make sure that long hair, hoodie draw strings etc. are tied back and that jewellery is removed. You are welcome to 'bring a bottle' for date night sessions!
How many pieces of pottery do I get to keep? - For introductory sessions and date nights, one piece of pottery (whichever is your favourite) will be glazed and fired to return to you. The price of the session includes postage of your work back to you - but if you would rather collect it, that's fine too! Please just make it clear at the end of your session. For courses, you will keep your favourite pieces of pottery made during the 5 sessions - usually this is around 6 pieces.
- How long will it take for my pottery to be fired? - Please be patient, we aim to have work turned around within a month, but it will sometimes be longer than that during periods of kiln maintenance.
- How long will you keep the finished pottery for? - Unless we are posting work back, we will keep finished pieces for 3 months after the date they were made. We will contact you via text message to let you know that it's ready, and we will endeavour to send polite reminders each week. We are keen to get your finished work back to you and always willing to arrange postage, but if we don't hear from you, or pots remain uncollected, we are unable to hold onto them beyond 3 months.
Do I get to choose which glaze for my pots? - Yes! - If you are doing a course, you will be able to choose whichever glazes are on the shelves during your fifth session. For date nights, introductory sessions and hand-building sessions, your work will be glazed in the turquoise studio glaze.
Is it suitable for children? - Very young children often struggle with the pottery wheel and can sometimes become a bit frustrated, as it takes practice and coordination! We will always be on hand to help, but it is important that they are made aware that it's not as easy as it looks!
Who will host my session? - James or Hollie host introductory sessions, date nights and hand-building sessions. James hosts pottery courses and advanced sessions.
How many people will be at the session? - There are two wheels, so there will only be two people at each throwing session. On occasion, or by request, we can stretch to three.
Hollie
Hollie started at SaltyDog in January 2025. After an interest in ceramics was sparked with the Girl Guides, Hollie made the decision to pursue it as she got older, and got in touch with a local potter who kindly took Hollie under her wing. Hollie was so keen that she ended up buying her own wheel so that could carry on practising at home.
Hollie now hosts hand-building sessions and wheel throwing introductions here at SaltyDog, and fits in perfectly with her kind, encouraging and patient manner.
