Frequently Asked Questions
Got a question? Here are the ones we get asked most. If you can't find what you're after, just get in touch.
-
Of course! We have a ‘help me choose’ page just for this — it walks through the different levels and what each one assumes you already know.
If you're still stuck, drop us an email on info@fishpondspottery.co.uk and we'll point you the right way.
-
Not for tasters or beginners courses — they assume you've never touched clay before. Some masterclasses expect a bit of experience behind you, so check the individual listing. The beginner-friendly ones are marked.
-
Small groups, always. Throwing tasters are capped at 6 and handbuilding tasters at 10. Courses are kept small too, so you get proper time with your tutor.
-
Wear something you don't mind getting messy — clay, glaze and slip don't really come out. Short sleeves or sleeves you can push up are easiest, and closed-toe shoes are a good idea. If you've got long hair, bring something to tie it back with. Short nails make throwing a lot easier too, though it's not essential.
Other than that, everything you need is here.
-
Our classes are designed for adults and the minimum age is 16. Anyone under 18 needs to be accompanied by an adult. If you're looking for something for a younger group, get in touch about a private session.
-
After your taster, it takes us up to 6 weeks to get your work ready to collect. Here's what's happening in the meantime:
We clean up any rough edges and label your work.
At least a week later, once it's completely dry, it goes in for its first 12 hour firing to 1000°C — this is what turns clay into ceramic.
We wax the bases and glaze your pots in your chosen colour.
Your pots have their final 10 hour firing to 1250°C.
Once the glaze firing is unloaded, everything's organised ready to collect. We'll send you a text at this point with collection details.
If you haven't heard from us after 6 weeks, email info@fishpondspottery.co.uk and we'll chase it up.
-
Congratulations! You'll get an email with instructions for booking your glazing session. Book it no sooner than a month after your course ends, so we can be sure all your work has been bisque fired.
-
Congratulations! Give us up to 6 weeks to get your work dried, bisque fired and glazed. We'll contact you when it's ready to collect.
If you haven't heard from us after 6 weeks, email info@fishpondspottery.co.uk
You're welcome to repeat the handbuilding course as many times as you like.
-
Give us 2 weeks to get everything through its glaze firing. We'll be in touch when your pots are ready. If you haven't heard after 2 weeks, email info@fishpondspottery.co.uk so we can help.
-
Firing for one piece is included in the price of your taster or workshop. Additional pieces are £12 each.
-
We'll let you know as soon as your work is ready. If it hasn't been collected three months after that, it goes into our community box for other people in the studio to use or take home. We'd much rather you had it, so do get in touch if you're struggling to get in — we can usually work something out.
-
Yes — once glaze fired, your pots are oven, microwave and dishwasher safe. Handwashing is always kinder to pieces with thin edges or fine surface detail, though.
-
We've got limited parking for 3–4 cars in our yard, and there's free on-street parking in the surrounding area. Let us know if you need a space close to the studio and we'll do our best.
-
46b Ridgeway Road, Fishponds, Bristol, BS16 3EA. We're tucked just off the main road and right by the cycle path — look for the gate rather than a shopfront, since plenty of people walk straight past without realising we're here.
-
The studio is a converted space and isn't fully step-free. If you have access needs, email us before booking and we'll talk through what's possible — we'd rather sort it in advance than have you arrive and find it doesn't work.
-
Yes — Klarna is available at checkout, so you can spread the cost. That agreement is between you and Klarna rather than with us, so any remaining instalments stay payable even if you can't make the class.
-
You'll get a full refund if you cancel 30 days or more before your start date. Within 30 days bookings are non-refundable, but you're welcome to pass your place on to someone else at no extra cost. Full details are on our terms and conditions page.
-
Yes, as long as you let us know 14 days or more before your start date and there's space on the date you'd like. Inside 14 days we can't move bookings, as it's unlikely we'd be able to fill the space in time.
-
Yes, and there's no extra charge. Just email us their name before the session so we know who to expect. If you're inside the 30 day window and can't make it, this is usually the best option.
-
Courses run to a set schedule, so if you miss a session we're not able to refund it or fit in a catch-up. We do run practice sessions though, which are a good way to make up lost time on the wheel.
-
We don't offer NHS or student discounts, but there is another way to save.
Sign up to our mailing list for 10% off courses and workshops →
-
Yes — course vouchers or open-value vouchers, whichever suits. They're emailed straight away, so they work as a last-minute present, and you're welcome to collect a physical copy from the studio if you'd rather hand something over.
-
One year from the date of purchase.
-
Yes! To book, email info@fishpondspottery.co.uk with your group size and what kind of workshop you'd like us to run.
-
Yes! Email info@fishpondspottery.co.uk with your group size and what you're after.
-
We run kids workshops now and then rather than on a regular schedule, so keep an eye on the kids workshops page for what's coming up. If nothing's listed, it means we haven't got any dates in the diary just yet.
See our kids workshops →
We can also take private bookings
-
Yes — full and half kiln loads. Bisque firing is £72 for a full kiln, glaze firing £96, both including VAT. Email info@fishpondspottery.co.uk to book.
-
Not yet — but it's coming soon. In the meantime, everything you need is provided in class.
-
Membership gives you studio access and kiln space to work on your own things, in your own time. There are two options depending on how much you want to use the studio — full details, pricing and how to join are all on the membership page.
-
We sometimes take photos in the studio to share on social media and use on the website. If you'd rather not be in them, just let your tutor know at the start of the session.