The abundance of daffodils on the Pottery lawn usually heralds the start of the busy season here at Eastnor Pottery. As soon as those delicate yellow petals unfurl, we’re braced for the influx of Spring and Summer visitors – all ages and abilities, keen to experience the delights of the potter’s wheel or learn a new skill. Usually, we are so frantically busy we don’t get to admire the daffodils and revel in the natural beauty of of these amazing flowers.
More and more of us are buying experiences as gifts for our loved ones. So why not treat those nearest to you this Christmas time to a creative experience they will never forget?
We offer gift vouchers for all our pottery experiences. Whether it’s our 1.5hr Introduction to the Potter’s Wheel or an immersive potter’s wheel course, we have the pottery experience perfect for your gifting.
Clay modelling sessions start at just £20 and a go on the wheel at just £30.
You can purchase your vouchers right here online via PayPal on our vouchers page.
Did you know that clay is infinitely recyclable? It’s been on the earth some 66 million years drying out and re-hydrating unchanged in nature. It’s only when it’s fired in the kiln it makes an irreversible change. Pottery or ceramic is probably one of the most permanent and durable materials known to man. Once they are out the kiln, they are out there forever!
It’s one of the reasons we ask our one day and weekend potter’s wheel course participants to be selective of their freshly made booty. At the end of the workshop, participants get to choose up to three creations to be fired and glazed. Surplus pots are ceremonially plucked from their resting places for recycling.
Must say it’s not very often we get such a neat pile of rejected pots! #neatlyfolded
Did you know Pottery is the traditional 9th Wedding Anniversary gift? A lot of couples who visit us certainly do. Rather than purchasing a piece of Denby, increasing numbers of clayed-up couples are inspired to create a pottery masterpiece for each other.
As well as fashioning a ceramic keepsake, participants are also making memories. Jon, Sarah and all the Pottery team strive to create a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, perfect for catching-up, unwinding and getting the creative juices flowing. The expert guidance and positive facilitation enable you to thrive and create that ‘special’ piece.
Partners come from far and wide to fashion their loved one a commemorative vessel often spending a couple of days in the Shire. Not only do they get creative with clay at the Pottery, couples often spend a romantic weekend visiting other local attractions and restaurants.
Once the creations have been fired and glazed, the pottery ‘artyfacts’ can either be collected from the studio or posted out approx. one month later. Each piece serving as a permanent reminder of time spent together doing something creative and ultimately rewarding.
Here’s what a satisfied customer had to say about their making experience at Eastnor Pottery:
My husband and I decided to celebrate our wedding anniversary by throwing a pot each and Sarah and the team at Eastnor Pottery ensured that it wasn’t at each other! My husband, slightly dubious at first, discovered a slumbering artistic talent and we had a fabulous time. I couldn’t rate this highly enough, great coffee, lovely, talented tutor, wonderful studio, and hopefully (in a few weeks when we collect them) amazing pots. THANK YOU”
With Christmas rapidly approaching and Valentine’s day just around the corner, why not treat yourself and your partner to a potter’s wheel experience. Mini classes start at £40 per person inclusive of potter’s wheel demonstration, one to one tuition, all materials and firing. Personalised gift vouchers can be purchased from the Pottery by calling 01531 633886 or emailing admin@eastnorpottery.co.uk
Leaf peeping!?? no, neither had we! Apparently, it’s the informal term given to the viewing and photographing of the ‘Fall’ in the USA and Canada.
In celebration of the imminent and amazing Autumnal change to our own trees and shrubs in The Forest of Dean and Wye Valley, we are running clay modelling sessions on a seasonal theme.
‘Leaf Peeping!’ is the title and visitors to the Pottery during September, October and November will have the opportunity to make a clay leaf tile painted in a riot of Autumnal colour. You’ll leave your creation with us to fire and glaze for approx. one month, after which it will be available for collection from the Pottery. Don’t worry if you cant make the return trip, we’ll package and post your pottery masterpiece for an additional £5.
If you are looking for inspiration prior to your visit – get yourself to The Forest of Dean and get snapping those incredible shapes and colours!
Places cost £20 per person inclusive of all materials, firing and glazing. Sessions can be booked Tuesday – Saturday and start at 10am, 11.30am, 1.30pm and 3pm. Please email us or call 01531 633886 to book you place.
