Workshop 305 Community Interest Company

Come and try pottery at  our spacious studios in Wimbledon. 

As a beginner, we will introduce you to a range of handbuilding techniques and practices covering all the fundamentals for working with clay along with decorating techniques and  glazing. 

Every participant new to the workshop has a Health and Safety briefing and an introduction to workshop practices before starting, and then you are all set to go. The schedule is:

Week 1: 
  Health & Safety awareness
  Introduction to the essential techniques of hand building
  Discovering the creative potential of working with clay

Week 2: 
 Coiling techniques

Week 3: 
 Slab Building

Weeks 4 & 5: 
 Self-Directed Study

Week 6: 
  Glaze decoration techniques

These workshops run for consecutive weeks on the same day at the same time. Sorry, but if you’re unable to make a week, we’re not able to offer any alternative sessions.

We provide a set amount of clay to be used each week. You are able to purchase additional clay if you wish, but the amount provided should be enough.

Please be aware that this listing does not include wheel throwing; we offer that as a separate listing.

Previous participants have created a diverse range of items, mosaic table tops, door numbers, sink splashbacks, plates, bowls and vases!

This workshop is very hands on with loads of tips for first timers so come along and get stuck in.

There will be an additional charge for clay/mosaic tiles according to the weight or size of the pieces you make.

Please note that this workshop needs a minimum of 7 people to run. Please get in touch with Obby in case you have any query about this.

All of the pieces that you create are yours to take home.

This workshop is a great way to meet people in your local area who share a love of creativity.

Spaces are limited so don’t miss out on this great workshop!

Children can book this workshop at a reduced rate. Those under 16 must be accompanied, 16-18 unaccompanied. For all bookings, please click on the **BOOK NOW** button.

Unsure whether this is for you? Don't worry, you can come along to a taster session for this Pottery and Mosaic course, just click [here](https://obby.co.uk/courses/pottery-and-mosaic-taster-workshop-south-west-london) to check it out!

Everyone is very helpful and the class has a great atmosphere.

Lovely- helpful staff and very relaxing as an activity! Loved it.

A wonderful atmosphere with friendly and helpful staff. It's the highlight of my week.

I had a fabulous first workshop! It was so friendly and a very calm relaxed atmosphere.  I also managed to make two pots, which I was not expecting.I am looking forward to the next workshop and cannot praise Sorsha, Mike & Jos for their help on the day.

My first time here and very much enjoying the course.  The staffing level is great.  Always someone on hand to help with queries and s.  The staff are very hands on and incredibly approachable.  I take my 8 year old child with me and she can be a handful, but the staff are fabulous with her.

I am thoroughly enjoying the pottery & mosaic evening class held at Workshop 305. It has been a revelation to have access to a variety of pottery forms and complete creative freedom, with assistance on hand when required. A great group of people with huge imaginations.

I love this place. It is the best post work wind down. Great people to give you as much (or little) advise, help or encouragement as you want. Good vibe and enough equipment to keep learning new things. Give it a try.

This is my third booking for this session.   There is a good balance of people doing mosaics and Pottery.  The teachers are very approachable and helpful.  Materials in abundance and lots of good company.  Very enjoyable (from a complete novice!).

Fantastic environment for all levels - both for pottery and mosaics. Lovely informal classes - with help and advice always available.

Loved it and will go again. Staff are lovely, helpful & encouraging!

I have been going to this pottery and mosaics workshop for two years now and I absolutely love it. The teachers are amazing, very knowledgeable and lovely people. I couldn't recommend this workshop more highly.

I'm thoroughly enjoying this class.  The teachers are supportive, approachable and very knowledgeable.   the group is friendly and mostly made of those who come back again and again, term after term.  Highly recommended.

I have now completed 3 terms at the Pottery & Mosaic class, and I’m hooked!
The tutors are so adorable, helpful but not overpowering. It is such a creative environment with people of all abilities.
As soon as you arrive you clear your head and get your hands dirty.
I absolutely love it!

Workshop305
Excellent facilities and very good tutors. Friendly atmosphere. Also if the class supports people with learning difficulties or physical difficulties, it's even better as the photographs and evidence of work by them is brilliant.

lovely people and great, relaxed atmosphere. Great for all experience levels

Joined for last 3 week of course and found the mosaic workshop really interesting. Hope to get back to finish project on the next course. The personnel who were  available for the mosaics and pottery were very friendly and the course was held in  a venue that had a lot of interesting projects going on.

Love the pottery & mosaic course at Workshop 305. I’m completely addicted. The tutors are so helpful and inspiring always so encouraging as are the group.

I really this course.  Very informal and relaxing.  the staff are great, approachable and knowledgeable.    You can pretty much get on with what you want and ask for advice or you take guidance if you are out of ideas.  I've learnt so much in a very short time.

Lovely staff & atmosphere. Many different types of techniques to try out too.

Last Pottery & Mosaic evening class, I will really miss it. But signed up for September and planning my next project. It’s a great class and lovely tutors. Try taster session.

Lovely workshops & lovely helpful and supportive staff!

Ragna Mueller Bowen

I‘ve been doing this amazing pottery and mosaics class for nearly 3 years now and I absolutely love it. The tutors are very knowledgeable and incredibly lovely and I’ve learned a lot of stuff to do with how to make pots and mostly how to create great mosaics. I highly recommend it.

I am addicted. I really enjoy the complete freedom to create. Workshop 305 have great facilities and the tutors are very knowledgeable. I can’t give it up.

Lovely studio, great resources, really helpful staff and have met some great friends.

Now on my second year and it continues to be the highlight of my week!

Great class- good facilities and tutors are lovely 😊

Another term doing what I love! Workshop 305 is the perfect place to put your creativity to use. Love it!

As a beginner to pottery, I thoroughly enjoyed the course! The teachers are very friendly and the class was very relaxed. Will definitely come back :)

Very helpful staff, I would definitely recommend!

Sally Gomes

Loved learning to use the potters wheel, lifelong ambition. I just want to do it again. Great tutors and facilities, just add your imagination and you’re good to go.

Sam m-P

I've made a number of lovely things on this course using a potters wheel, moulds and constructing.  I've struggled a bit with the glazing, but the staff are always on hand to help so I need to make more of this when I'm glazing in future.  I've recently attending with my 10 year old daughter and she loves the course.  she's always made some rather lovely things too.  The guys there support her really well and are particularly motivational.

Busy, friendly workshop with advice and instructruction readily at hand, as and when required, from great staff.

Absolutely loving throwing on the wheel, it’s so satisfying to do whether or not successful!
But so good to produce a little dish.

Pottery Workshops

Sam Murray-Petersen

I've booked this course on and off for about a year and half.  The class is a nice nix of new and regular attenders.  The teaching staff have remained constant over this time and are incredibly helpful and knowledgeable.  In terms of ceramics I've used the wheel, I've made a number of cups, plates and bowls using a wide range of ready made plaster moulds and I've created stuff from scratch.  Lots of support and advice on hand throughout the workshop.

Rosalind Webber

I really enjoyed my 7 weeks at 305. I had some previous experience but was keen to try the wheel. I managed to make a few things with expert guidance from Mike. The other staff are knowledgable, friendly and helpful and ready to answer questions and help you improve your work. I'd recommend this course if you want to improve and are self motivated in what you are making. 

Gintautas Jakubelis

Amazing experiences, the class was great,the teachers was friendly.

Sally Clarke

I have been able to throw on the wheel, and am thoroughly enjoying it. It is so relaxing and takes your mind off everything else.
Loving it!!

Elluria Breytenbach

I did Mosaics with Joss and received so much personal attention and professional guidance. Plus all important encouragement when I was waning as I had chosen to do a really big project even though I am a novice.  I will be joining again to get on with what I have started. It is a relaxed atmosphere and the highlight of my week!

Izabella Knights

Lovely class and lovely staff - will be coming again! 

I've attended this course for a year and a half.  I'm really enjoying it.  So much to learn and great support on hand to help when you need.  
The ratio of teachers to learners is good.  Usually around 3 for 16 students.  Everyone works independently and makes what they want.  There are potters wheels, plaster mould and all sort of glazes and under glazes to try.

Sophie Dudhill

Really great classes where you can try a variety of techniques. Staff are really helpful in assisting you with whatever you want to make, and teaching you the different elements you need to get there. 

Faith Woodruff

The teachers are all super informative, encouraging and supportive. The atmosphere of this class is relaxed, friendly, chilled! Whether you’re a complete beginner or experienced potter I can’t recommend this class enough. Really brilliant! 

A really good course for all levels, tutors offer plenty of advice and the students provide all the support and encouragement needed.

This workshop is a must! The teachers are super informative, helpful, encouraging. The space and atmosphere is relaxed and friendly - perfect for beginners or more experienced potters.  Highly recommended!

Hazel Pritchard

I loved this course - it has been great. As a complete beginner, I’ve been able to learn different techniques each week, whilst also feeling relaxed during the session. I would highly recommend this course. 

Loren Zeisler

I keep coming back to these wonderful workshops because the people are fantastic and the atmosphere is so friendly.

fatima kassab

I learnt different skills to improve my pottery. The teachers are very informative and really friendly and made me feel very relaxed. The atmosphere is wonderful I look forward to Thursday evening. 

The venue is very good and has everything you need. I would highly recommend  the workshop to anyone who wants to learn pottery. 

Last but not least I am going to book my next seven weeks 



Loved this class very friendly and supportive tutors, I’m hooked!

I have now completed two terms or pottery making at workshop 305 and I love it! Everyone is very welcoming and supportive, allowing you to get creative while learning new techniques all the time!

Karen Markham

Very relaxing sessions, with as little or as much direction as required. Always fun.

Great class and friendly helpful teachers 

Rachel Tree

Absolutely loved learning all about pottery, in a friendly and relaxed environment. Everyone was so helpful and lovely, got to try lots of different aspects of pottery. I’d love to go again!

Lovely relaxed workshop, with so much to learn.

Fabulous course using a variety of techniques working with clay! Great sense of achievement when you take your finished work home

Fatima Kassab

As always I look forward to going every Thursday evening. Teachers are lovely, help and advice is very very good. Atmosphere is lovely and I have made some lovely pottery. I would recommend this particular class to every one who wants to learn or improve the pottery skills. Well done 305 workshop. 

A brilliant course to attend. The teachers are brilliant and will help you to create what you are imagining if even you are a beginner. There is a lovely atmosphere within the room and I looked forward to it each week. I would highly recommend.

Jacqui Wenn

I've had an amazing time at my pottery workshops in a well equipped, calm and relaxing studio. Everyone is so friendly and helpful and full ideas to get you started. I've learnt so much about working with clay and tried lots of different techniques. The teachers are lovely and always on hand to help if needed. I've met lovely people and made many new friends. I would thoroughly recommend these sessions.

7/14 Weeks - Pottery Workshops

Lovely bright space, friendly staff and access to all types of clay making.

As always teachers are wonderful and I’m learning new skills. A lovely atmosphere I look forward to my workshop every Thursday so much so I have booked the whole of 2020. 

Well done  All
Fatima

Pottery Workshops - 7 weeks

Addictive activity, absolutely loved using clay. The tutors are extremely helpful and have great all round experience. 

Mathy Sivaneswaran

The course was a lot of fun. The workshop is spacious and well equipped and the teachers are very friendly and helpful. Would recommend!

Still the best way to spend a Thursday evening. I love it!

Workshop 305 have been amazing as always. Over the course of this term, I've made a few bowls and a few mugs. I cant wait to see how they turn out!

A fabulous class, with a varied group and lots of creativity with essential experience. Plenty to learn in a fun atmosphere.

Amazing as always. My daughter and my sons partner are going to a taster class as I have talked about work shop 305 so much. 

They want to see it for them selves. 

Well done. 
Fatima 

Beginners Pottery Workshops - 8 weeks: Mondays

Robin Batt

Excellent! Really enjoyed this course. Lovely studio, great teacher and nice atmosphere. 

Tom Dowrick

Absolutely brilliant! Love every minute of being in the workshop. The team at 305 are amazing. The tutors are very knowledgeable and always there to help you with your creations. 

Beginners Pottery Workshops - 7 weeks: Mondays

Kelly Martin

A wonderful class.  I am signing up for another session as soon as one becomes available.  Excellent teaching in a relaxed atmosphere.  No skill necessary to thoroughly enjoy it.

Jane Farrell

Workshop 305 is an oasis of calm.
The staff are so supportive and helpful whatever level you are at,they help you to develop and achieve. 
I am so glad that I have found this place. 

Christopher Gregory

Fantastic workshop. Teaches you a lot basic techniques needed to then explore your own work. Second time returning to this course.

Beginners Pottery Workshops 

helene dabrowski

I really enjoyed the pottery workshop, it is well kitted out with lost of tools and space. There is a fun atmosphere and the teacher is great. I can't wait for next session.

Veronica Garcia Rodriguez

A really enjoyable course, having the chance to learn different techniques and approaches to pottery in a relaxed class environment.

Annamaria Atkins

I had a great time and Zoe is a lovely and patient tutor. It's so therapeutic focusing on working with your hands for 2 odd hours. 

Sharon Mallison

Enjoyed my first hand building beginner's pottery course so much I book straight on to the next course 

Robert Hosking

I  enjoyed the experience. Looking forward to seeing the final result’s.

Diana  Mason

Excellent beginners introduction to different basic pottery techniques.  Great facilities in Weir Road Wimbledon and our teacher Leanne was patient very good. Would recommend as a starter. 

Annamaria  Atkins

It’s my second series of beginners workshops and just love the relaxed vibe. our instructor Zoe is very patient and helpful and helps us put our imagination into real actual pieces of pottery. 

Steve Preston

A really good 3 hour session again last night and I feel I improved on week 1 , which to be honest , I could hardly fail to do.
My only complaint is that the session should have a 10 minute break half way.

Learn about pottery in this great workshop in Wimbledon!

Pottery & Mosaic Workshop

Question 1

WE’RE A SOCIAL ENTERPRISE AND REGULARLY SUBMIT GRANT APPLICATIONS. CAN YOU PLEASE LET US KNOW THE FIRST PART OF YOUR POSTCODE AS THIS INFORMATION ABOUT OUR STUDENTS IS OFTEN REQUESTED, E.G SW19. THANK YOU!

This workshop is very hands on and is suitable for people who have attended our beginners workshops or have had previous experience working with clay and have a knowledge of the basics.

These workshops have a focus demonstration for those people interested, these will start at 6pm and last for approximately half an hour:

17th September: Coil building

1st October: Glazing

15th October: Oxides

29th October: Throwing closed forms

12th November: Glazing

26th November: Throwing a teapot

At the workshop we have:\
3 electric kilns of varying sizes

6 electric pottery wheels

A slab roller and a clay extruder

A large selection of plaster moulds and modelling tools

A good selection of slips, underglazes and glazes

We use a range of clays – stoneware earthstone (not terracotta)

A comprehensive selection of reference books with access to a printer and Wifi.

There is an additional charge for materials and firings according to weight and size. These prices are subject to change, suppliers have increased prices 3 times over the past year and electricity costs will be increasing threefold in the near future.

There will be an additional charge for clay according to the weight of the pieces you make (fired and glazed). Payment will be taken after the first firing.

These workshops require a minimum number of participants to go ahead.

Improvers Pottery Sessions - Bundles

A fabulous space with all you require to unleash your creative side. The tutors are so informative and supportive, I’m hooked!

Always a fun session great facilities and space to work. 

Nick

Treated myself to this course at the beginning of the year. It's been a wonderful, relaxing, creative and therapeutic experience and the staff at Workshop 305 are great too! Even if you don't feel you have any 'creativity' on you, or don't have any prior experience - the support from the tutor was fantastic and seeing the finished versions of the items you have made yourself is truly special. Thanks Workshop 305, I'm already thinking about what I can make in the Improvers Workshop 

Laura Fletcher

This is a great class. Ella is very knowledgeable and helpful and the studio has extensive facilities for anything you want to make.

Chris Parker

Loved the first session- will definitely be back! zoe was extremely helpful and a great teacher- thank you!

Come and improve your ceramics skills with us!

Improvers Pottery Sessions 

Question 2

If this is your first time booking improvers sessions, please let us know your experience. If you've attended at least 14 improvers sessions with us, please type N/A, thank you!

Question 3

Do you have something in particular that you would like to make?  This workshop is self lead.

Question 4

Would you feel confident working/making without tutor assistance for 30 minutes?

Question 5

Do you have experience in both hand-building and wheel throwing?

**Please be aware that the minimum age for participants is 14**.

This 3 hour throwing workshop will take you through the basics of pottery throwing on the wheel. No previous experience of working with clay is required as you will be expertly guided by the tutor. Our tutor's are all experienced potters with experience of working with ceramics and tutoring. With classes capped at 5 participants, you’ll have plenty of guidance and support throughout the session and you’ll have your own wheel throughout.

Experienced potters are also welcome, and we can help focus on any techniques or shapes that you would like to improve on.

The session will be taught in a friendly and relaxing environment and you will leave feeling enthusiastic to continue your throwing practice.

Please be aware that clean up time starts at least 15 minutes before the end of the session.

The cost of this workshop does not include any pots but you can pay an extra fee (£8 per pot) to have any fired and glazed. This process takes approximately 8 working weeks and you will have to make a return journey to collect these, or arrange a courier.

Pots from this workshop will be glazed in our glossy white glaze. 

**Children under 16 must be accompanied by a paying adult**

WHEEL THROWING WORKSHOP

Incredible atmosphere facilitated by a talented ceramicist!! Can't wait for my next class

I like wheel throwing. The teacher was informative and very patient in helping us to start throwing! 

Tilly Lowkis

Really enjoyed this class. Instructor was great and did a really good job of showing us what to do despite distancing. I would really recommend. 

Frankie Temple-Brown

This Workshop was great! The teacher was really lovely, experienced and helpful. I would recommend to anyone who wants to give this ago!

Connie Temple-Brown 

I had a great time at the wheel throwing workshop. Perfect for beginners, lots of fun and a great teacher. I liked how relaxed the workshop was. We were allowed to make anything we wanted and had plenty of clay. I will definitely book on to another class in the future!!!


Joanne Simmons

This was such a good workshop.  Sufficient tuition to get me started quickly (having never used a wheel before).  Most of the workshop was spent using the wheel and having a go at making things.  One to one help as required.  Felt safe and very clean with all the measures put in place.  Inspired me to sign up for the regular Thursday night workshop.  

Ann Min

It's an excellent workshop. I have never thrown on a wheel, yet it's a great and playful experience. The teacher was very informative and demonstrated well how to start throwing.

Paper 22

Having patience and support, through the initial stages of throwing, felt important for me and to have a good foundation to throw. I'm very happy to be given the time in this session to focus on this. Eloise, our teacher, had this perfect way of being there for you - being there to explain and acknowledge your personal goals in this limited time. It was definitely worth the experience. I know I will definitely be coming back!

A really comprehensive tutorial for throwing from base level. Eloise was a superb teacher taking us through step by step instruction at a social distance. Facility is great lots of space and well organised. Learnt a lot!!

Tanel Ozdemir

It was really great fun! Ellouise was really patient and knowledgeable. The three hour workshop flew by and left us wanting to come back for more. 

I enjoyed and learned to perfect my weel throwing 
Elawawies is an excellent teacher and and gives you good tips. 👍👍👍

As always workshop 305 is a joy too be and teacher very well informed and a very good teacher. 
👍👍👍👍👍

Jo Cochran

Great session, learnt a lot and had plenty of time with the tutor for one to one help.

Lucy Porter

Very enjoyable class with Eloise. With only four of us we got a wheel each and plenty of (needed!) attention from the class teacher, with all of us able to produce 2-3 pieces we can collect later. Would highly recommend :)

Sarah Dezille

Another wonderful class which I would highly recommend. My son and his friend really enjoyed their 3 hours of wheel throwing. The workshop was very relaxed and Eloise the teacher was brilliant at explaining everything and helping them. They both managed to get 3 pieces off the wheel. We will definitely be back.

Molly O’Callaghan

Highly recommend, the teachers were lovely and made it really easy to understand. Would even go again 

Lea Payne

A fantastic class! Eloise is a really good tutor and explains things in a calm and patient manner. We all had plenty of time at our own wheel to get to grips with the basics of throwing and manage to produce some pieces for firing.
I'm looking forward to attending another session soon! 

Zoe Jones

Excellent! 
Eloise was a fab and patient teacher and I was really pleased with what I achieved!

Jonah Noble

Learnt a lot and even came away with some good pieces as a beginner

Janneke Munnik

This was my first time throwing and Eloise was absolutely fantastic, giving me enough guidance to get the right technique, but also giving me the space to explore a new hobby. I can't wait to go back! 

Hannah Markham

We attended the Wheel Throwing workshop as total beginners and were amazed with what we managed to achieve in just a few hours! Eloise is a spectacular teacher, clear with instructions and incredibly patient. Considered us hooked - we can't wait to come back. 

Joanna Duncan

Eloise is a great teacher and explains each step! She is also great at coming round and helping you on the wheel! Would recommend for a beginner or someone with not many hours on the wheel!

Serge Isakov

Great session led by the team, the instruction was clear and there were a lot of opportunities to get 1-2-1 with the teacher to practice the techniques

Also, the care and attention to being COVID safe was exemplary, would highly recommend 

Vicky Brough

We had a really lovely day learning how to throw with Elouise. She was a great teacher and we had a lot of great instruction and guidance. It was a really fun activity and we’re excited to see our final pieces once they’ve been glazed and put in the kiln!

Kelly Nuñez

AMAZING! Great! I have tried 3 different pottery workshops and so far this one is the best!! Great teacher, she explains very well, in detail and with patience! Also the clay is high quality, it really allows you to do thin objects rather than chunky ones. 100% recommended! 

Excellent for both beginners and those just wanting more practice!

Fantastic as always! Really good about matching you feel safe and comfortable with the COVID restrictions. 

geraldine laporta

Absolutely loved this workshop.  Our excellent instructor showed us the ropes and was ever patient when helping us individually.  It was very relaxing and the three hours flew by. None of our class of four had done hand throwing before yet we all made pots that we were very happy with. Covid rules were scrupulously observed throughout.

Rob Boyd

This was a really fun and well managed class! I hadnt used a wheel since being at school, but managed to turn out 5 pieces by the end of the afternoon. The Worshop is a friendly and comfortable space, and is well worth your support! Definately going back for more and a “mystery class” too! You will love it!

WHEEL THROWING SESSIONS – SUITABLE FOR BEGINNERS

Beginners Pottery Workshops

Age Requirement