Throwing Class for Beginners

Learn the essentials of throwing on the potter's wheel at this pottery class in Manchester.



2.5 hours Location Manchester Class size 1 to 8 (public classes), 8 to 30   £75

In this hands-on pottery workshop, you'll master the foundational techniques of wheel throwing and create your very own ceramic pieces. During this engaging session, you'll learn how to transform raw clay into beautiful vessels, and if you wish you can choose two of your favourite creations to be professionally fired and glazed for you to treasure.
Working at your own wheel under expert guidance, you'll develop essential skills including:
  • Centring clay confidently
  • Opening and pulling walls with proper technique
  • Creating basic forms with traditional methods
  • Understanding the characteristics of clay
Our welcoming team ensures a relaxed, supportive environment perfect for complete beginners. You'll find that the rhythmic motion of the wheel and the tactile nature of clay quickly puts you at ease, making the learning process both natural and enjoyable.
This immersive activity introduces you to the deeply satisfying craft of pottery, helping you build both skills and confidence. As you shape the clay beneath your hands, you'll discover the meditative quality of throwing that has captivated artisans for millennia. You'll leave the class with practical knowledge of wheel throwing techniques and, once fired, two unique pieces that showcase your newfound skills.
Classes run twice daily on Saturdays and Sundays.
*Please note: As part of our Sustainability policy: we no longer offer collection pick ups of your pottery.
Classes booked and pots made as of July will be sent by Royal Mail with a small P&P cost which can be purchased in our studio after your class should you choose to keep your lovely pots
Many Thanks

Upcoming dates for Throwing Class for Beginners

Times are London time. Dates and prices as of 16 Oct 2026, 9:08am; availability and price are confirmed live when booking on this page.

28 upcoming dates between 17 Oct 2026 and 29 Nov 2026.

  • Sat 17 Oct 2026, 11am-1:30pm
  • Sat 17 Oct 2026, 2:30pm-5pm
  • Sun 18 Oct 2026, 11am-1:30pm
  • Sun 18 Oct 2026, 2:30pm-5pm
  • Sat 24 Oct 2026, 11am-1:30pm
  • Sat 24 Oct 2026, 2:30pm-5pm
  • Sun 25 Oct 2026, 11am-1:30pm
  • Sun 25 Oct 2026, 2:30pm-5pm
  • Sat 31 Oct 2026, 11am-1:30pm
  • Sat 31 Oct 2026, 2:30pm-5pm
  • Sun 1 Nov 2026, 11am-1:30pm
  • Sun 1 Nov 2026, 2:30pm-5pm
  • Sat 7 Nov 2026, 11am-1:30pm
  • Sat 7 Nov 2026, 2:30pm-5pm
  • Sun 8 Nov 2026, 11am-1:30pm
  • Sun 8 Nov 2026, 2:30pm-5pm
  • Sat 14 Nov 2026, 11am-1:30pm
  • Sat 14 Nov 2026, 2:30pm-5pm
  • Sun 15 Nov 2026, 11am-1:30pm
  • Sun 15 Nov 2026, 2:30pm-5pm
  • Sat 21 Nov 2026, 11am-1:30pm
  • Sat 21 Nov 2026, 2:30pm-5pm
  • Sun 22 Nov 2026, 11am-1:30pm
  • Sun 22 Nov 2026, 2:30pm-5pm
  • Sat 28 Nov 2026, 11am-1:30pm
  • Sat 28 Nov 2026, 2:30pm-5pm
  • Sun 29 Nov 2026, 11am-1:30pm
  • Sun 29 Nov 2026, 2:30pm-5pm
What you'll get
Your two favourite pieces should you wish to keep them.
Read more details   
Knowledge required
Basic beginner knowledge
Suitable for

This class is great for individuals and couples as well as for a date idea, team building activity, Christmas party, birthday or hen do.

This experience would also be a unique gift for her, gift for mum, Xmas gift or gift for couples.

Location

Makers Quarter Kampus, 42 Aytoun Street, Manchester, M1 3GL

5 mins from Piccadilly train station

Throwing Class for Beginners location
Verified reviews


Our reviewers receive the same incentives regardless of the ratings or comments provided

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Recent reviews of Throwing Class for Beginners

  • 5/5 from Owen Rice, attended Sep 2026: 10/10 would 100% recommend. Freida was a perfect teacher and helped amazingly during the entirety of the class. Despite being our first time making pottery it was such a fun experience and it went so good we can’t wait to get out finished products after they’ve been fired and glazed.
  • 5/5 from Matthew Hooper, attended Jul 2026: We had a great time, bought as a gift card for my wife's birthday. The booking process was straightforward enough, our instructor was lovely and the environment was perfect. Turns out I'm categorically not a natural at this but we had fun and we'd both definitely do it again.
  • 5/5 from Lucy Hardy, attended May 2026: Our teacher was great, she was so patient, helpful and friendly. The atmosphere felt calm and comfortable and the location itself is beautiful. Would 100% recommend and my partner and I are thinking about booking onto the 4 week course.
  • 5/5 from Joanna Cherry, attended Apr 2026: Oh my gosh this class was amazing!! Absolutely smashed our expectations. Alice was so lovely, warm, welcoming and incredibly talented. She was a fabulous teacher. We all had such a laugh and it was well worth the money for the time (a full 2.5 hours!!). Loved it.
  • 5/5 from Pat, attended Apr 2026: I attended the pottery class with my niece so the teacher was dealing with two students with 50 years difference in age but he wasn’t fazed at all by the challenge. We were welcomed and put at our ease. He began by asking us if we had experienced pottery making before . He showed us where everything was and got us kitted out with aprons ( very necessary) and then went through the process of what we would be doing to give us a complete overview before we started. Then it was our turn It was obvious that our instructor had a real gift for teaching . He was encouraging, good humoured and gave us positive feedback even when the clay wobbled out of control ( in my case ) We discussed pots, potfests, potters and all manner of clay related things. He was very easy to talk to and obviously enthusiastic about his craft. Both my niece and I really enjoyed the experience and in fact I’d like to have another go sometime. It is quite addictive.
  • 5/5 from Aidan Ramsden, attended Feb 2026: Great little date night. Not as easy as it looks but a good laugh. Instructor was great patient and easy going. Always coming around with tips and tricks
  • 5/5 from Iris Cartia, attended Feb 2026: Our teacher gave us clear instructions, showing the process and explaining every step, and helped us individually when we had questions or needed help. He was patient, friendly, and helpful.
  • 5/5 from Corina Balaban, attended Feb 2026: Amazing class, would highly recommend! Great teacher, beautiful space. Learnt a lot and enjoyed the process.
  • 5/5 from Gareth Young, attended Feb 2026: Great class! Loads of fun, booked for valentines date and did not disappoint. Teacher was great, explained the process well and was very supportive throughout class. 100% recommended to anyone wanting to give it a try
  • 5/5 from Mia Robertson, attended Jan 2026: This class was incredible! We had Ed guiding us through everything and couldn’t have had a better time. The time and effort (and patience) he had, really guided all of us into delivering things beyond our expectations. We ended up making variations of mugs, bowls and a mini plate and it’s safe to say it’s ignited a love for throwing clay I never knew I needed. Can’t wait to go back!
  • 5/5 from Andy Easthope, attended Jan 2026: The class was well organised and the teacher was patient and very experienced. We were late but he made us welcome. He provided excellent support and explained the activity well. We made a number of pots and were allowed to keep those we chose. I liked the fact that we were able to try out hand at a few attempts, this allowed us to practice until we got a good pot to keep. The event was a birthday gift and was bought for me. Definitely go again.
  • 5/5 from Laura Farrimond-Goff, attended Dec 2025: Had a fantastic afternoon at the class. Alex the instructor was great, really friendly and helpful. We all made good progress and finished with a couple of great pots each. Can’t wait to see them when fired. Would totally recommend to others.
  • 5/5 from Shirley Corcoran, attended Dec 2025: The beginners throwing class at the Makers Quarter in Manchester was nothing short of excellent! The teacher was friendly and knowledgeable, explaining and demonstrating the process very clearly. He was very patient, even when having to demonstrate certain aspects, several times! I left the class feeling confident that I had mastered the basic skills and was eager to practice them! The venue was amazing and facilities and equipment were of a high standard. Avery enjoyable session.
  • 5/5 from Natalia Szatowska, attended Nov 2025: The class was very accessible and enjoyable, the teacher was very supportive and nice :) it was a lovely class to attend for our anniversary
  • 5/5 from Matthew Molloy, attended Nov 2025: Excellent class, we didnt have a clue when it came to pottery but the teacher was very informative and ensured you stayed on track. Really fun class.
  • 5/5 from Ben Boleyn, attended Sep 2025: Ed was an amazing teacher, we came for a first date and both thoroughly enjoyed the experience. If there’s a second date we’ll be back for sure
  • 5/5 from Matthew Byrne, attended May 2025: A brilliant course for beginners. Fantastic facility, with plenty of natural light and space. Ed is an excellent teacher, giving plenty of time for questions, and allowing experimentation and experiential learning. Highly recommended
  • 5/5 from Fred Yupet, attended Apr 2025: The class was really great! Both the teachers were amazing and very helpful.
  • 5/5 from Dr Viraj Patel, attended Mar 2025: Amazing session! It was our first time having a go at throwing and we will definitely be back again! A calm relaxing atmosphere which was very aesthetic. Close to train stations and plenty of parking about for easy access too. Our instructor was really helpful and made the day feel really chilled. Thanks again!
  • 5/5 from Ayesha Faiz, attended Mar 2025: Class was amazing and comfortable environment. Teacher was really good with guidance and when questions asked she gave the right approach. Would have loved some music for some fun and vibes. Thank you
  • 5/5 from Ren Shane, attended Jan 2025: The teacher was great! Very friendly from the start, extremely knowledgeable and willing to help with advice (or a little assistance on centre-ing the clay!) wherever possible. Best to go in with an open mind and a sense of humour - you might mess up but begin to learn quickly how to handle the clay. Loved this class, would come again, perfect for couples or friends with the small class size. I want to make more pots soon!
Your teacher

Makers Quarter
Makers Quarter

5.0 (99)
female Women-owned

We are Makers Quarter a brand new Makerspace in the heart of Manchester City centre. A one stop shop for creativesr, designed to support many different practices. We have a fully equipped pottery school, Art & Design studio equipped with screen printing beds, jewellery making facilities and a textiles and upholstery studio. The facilities will be bookable for members and most excitingly we will be hosting classes in all mediums giving the wider public the chance to learn a creative skill. The classes will be hosted by our members, local experts and well regarded international crafts people.
With the combination of classes and members drop in sessions we are giving visitors the chance to get hands on and seasoned pros a space to thrive….“We are evolving spaces for creatives & communities alike, which will hopefully make a positive impact in the way creative people can work”.

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class 0 1E57MXLBSX b30fa37a8c654059964d2a78c24cea95 1 production manchester Manchester North West GB manchester