Private Hand Building Pottery Class (Artist-Led)

Learn tailored hand-building techniques, guided by one of our practicing ceramics artists.



2 hours Class size 1 to 5 guests    

  £85 - £95 (£95 per guest when you book for 1 guest, £85/guest for 2+ guests) (PayPal Pay in 3 available)
London Activities
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Craft
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Pottery
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Clay Sculpture & Hand Building Experience Gifts
Join this private hand-building pottery class in London and explore the tactile world of clay in a contemporary, artist-led studio. These sessions are entirely shaped around your own interests and experience level, whether you're enjoying your first encounter with ceramics or looking to develop more advanced, concept-led techniques.
Designed for individuals or small groups, you'll have dedicated studio time to explore sculptural, functional, or experimental approaches. Rather than following a rigid format, your time in the studio responds to what you want to achieve. You can focus on foundational skills or move towards more exploratory processes, including:
  • Pinch, coil, and slab construction – Master the core building blocks of hand-built ceramics.
  • Surface experimentation – Explore different ways to add texture and character to your work.
  • Form development – Learn how to turn an initial idea into a finished sculptural or functional object.
  • Material-led making – Discover how to work instinctively with the natural properties of clay.
Working alongside practising ceramic artists provides a unique insight into real studio life. You'll find a supportive setting that allows plenty of time for making, discussion, and hands-on experimentation. This personalised guidance makes these sessions a wonderful way to connect with friends or family while picking up a new skill.
By the end of your time at the studio, you'll have gained a newfound confidence in your creative abilities and a deeper understanding of ceramic practice. You'll leave feeling inspired by the possibilities of clay, with your handmade ceramic pieces ready to be glazed, fired, and eventually taken home as a lasting reminder of your time as a maker.
Finished pieces will be ready to collect in approximately 2-3 weeks. We will email you when your work is ready.
What you'll get
  • Clay and tools provided
  • 2-hour private, artist-led session
  • Personalised guidance tailored to your experience level
  • Use of studio tools and equipment
  • One piece of work glazed and finished by our studio technician for you
  • Choice of our 5 studio glazes
Knowledge required
No knowledge of hand building is required. This class is shaped around what you'd like to learn and can be tailored from beginner to more advanced hand building techniques.
What to bring
No requirements. We provide aprons and materials, but its good to wear old clothes you don't mind getting dirty. You will be inducted into studio and equipment safety at the start of your lesson.

FAQ

Is this suitable for beginners?
Yes. No experience is require, and sessions are adapted to your level.
What can I make?
You might create cups, small vessels, sculptural pieces, experiment with form - anything you wish, depending on your interests.
What happens after your class?
Your pieces will be glazed and fired by our studio technician and ready in about 2-3 weeks.
See more FAQs   
Where is the studio?
SET Ceramics is located near Fenchurch Street Station is central London.
Location

SET Ceramics, Crutched Friars, London

This venue is within walking distance of Tower Hill, Aldgate and Monument tube stations

Private Hand Building Pottery Class (Artist-Led) location
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Your teacher

SET Ceramics
SET Ceramics


SET Ceramics is a contemporary community pottery studio in central London, run by arts organisation and registered charity SET. Based in a former cobbler’s shop near Fenchurch Street Station, the space functions as both a working ceramics studio for members and an artist-led learning environment.
Alongside studio memberships for practising makers, we offer courses, private classes and team workshops led by working ceramic artists. Each programme is shaped by the tutor’s own practice, giving participants insight into real studio approaches rather than standardised pottery classes.
Sessions are small (typically 4-6 people) to allow focused guidance, experimentation, and the development of individual ideas. With pottery wheels, hand-building stations, glazing facilities and kiln firing included, the emphasis is on meaningful making and building confidence with clay.
SET Ceramics welcomes beginners, independent makers, and artists looking to work within a supportive and creative studio community.
London Activities
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Craft
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Pottery
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2026-06-12 15:00:00
class 1E57MXLBSX b30fa37a8c654059964d2a78c24cea95 production london London London GB london