FAQ’s
The Clay Room UK reserves the right to cancel classes and workshops if there are insufficient numbers.
In this circumstance we will do our best to offer an alternative or offer a full refund.
CoronaVirus Policy
We provide hand sanitiser for everyone to use in the studio
We leave windows open all day and night to ventilate the space so please wear warm clothes
We no longer provide drinks or communal aprons. We ask everyone to wear old clothes or bring your own apron and please bring your own drinks in a bottle or lidded cup.
We disinfect your working area before you arrive and after you leave.
Please do not attend the studio if you feel unwell or have any symptoms of CoronaVirus, a Cold or Flu
General
What should I wear?
Please wear old clothes and shoes. No sandals! If it is cold outside, please wear layers
Is there an age requirement?
5 years plus for Private Lessons, 10 years plus for Taster Workshops, 15 years plus for Courses (email us to discuss if you have young children)
All children and teenagers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult
I’m coming for a celebration, can I bring alcohol?
No alcohol is allowed on the premises
Cancellation Policy
To cancel your place on any course or workshop, notice of cancellation must be given by email to theclayroomuk@gmail.com 14 days prior to the start date.
If you cancel 14 days prior to the course or workshop start date, you will receive a full refund or you can reschedule your booking for a later date
No refunds will be given for cancellations made less than 14 days before the course or workshop.
We will try to fill your place if you cancel with less than 14 days notice, but if we are unable to fill your place, you will not be given a refund. You can offer your place to a friend or family member.
Gift Vouchers
Can I get a refund?
No
They are non-refundable, and they must be used before the expiry date
Do gift vouchers have an expiry date?
Yes
Courses have a specific start date. So if you wait until the end of your gift vouchers use-by-date, it may expire before the next course begins
To avoid disappointment please do not wait until your gift voucher is about to expire
Can I extend the date on my voucher?
No - Sadly extensions on gift vouchers are not possible
The only exception to this rule is if there is a national lockdown - then we will extend the expiry date
What can I buy?
Gift vouchers can be made out for any monetary value or for a specific workshop or course
They are interchangeable between any workshop or course or private lesson
Can I change the choice of workshop on my certificate?
You can top up the amount with cash if you would like to use it on something more expensive
If the workshop you choose is cheaper than the specified gift certificate amount, no change will be given
Can I change the date that I have booked?
14 days notice is required to change your booking.
What if I cancel with less than 14 days notice?
Private lessons - we will rearrange a new date for you. But please give as much notice as possible.
Clay taster workshops, Throwing taster workshops and Pottery courses, you will only be offered a new date if we are able to fill your place. If we are unable to fill your place you will lose you booking. Please give 14 days notice to ensure you do not lose your booking.
Classes
How much does a class or workshop cost?
All Up to Date Prices are listed on the Book Now page and specific Class Pages
The Book Now page is an interactive calendar that gives you all the dates of upcoming workshops and courses, where they are located, the times and prices
Prices for Private Classes are listed on the Private Pottery Lessons page
What happens if I miss a class? Can I catch up another time?
No - Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing rules, additional people in classes is no longer possible. If someone is unable to attend another class, we will offer this space to people who have missed classes. This is not a guarantee.
Throwing on the wheel
What should I do before I attend?
Tie back long hair
Cut nails short - You cannot throw a pot with long / fake nails
Can I use the Pottery Wheel on the workshop I am booked on to?
Yes – Clay Taster Workshops and Throwing Taster Workshops
I've been throwing for a long time, can you teach me?
Yes - I can help you refresh your skills on the wheel, suggest possible alternatives and help you problem-solve issues you are having
When do I get my work?
I am coming to a Clay Taster Workshop, can I take my work home on the day?
No
Your work will need to be dried out, fired and then glazed to be finished properly. It will be ready for you to collect in about 4 to 6 weeks
How long until I get my work back?
4 to 6 weeks approximately
Your work needs to dry out completely, it is then fired, glazed, and fired a second time
Why does it take so long?
Depending on the temperature outside and inside the studio, your work can take a long time to dry out completely
It cannot go into the kiln before it is dry, as it can cause your work to explode and the water damages the heating elements
Once your work is dry, it will be a bisque fired to 1000oC which can take up to 48 hours to fire and cool.
Your work will then be glazed, and then it will be fired again to a higher temperature. Again this can take up to 48hours
The kiln will only be turned on once it is full, this is best for the environment and the kiln
Will you contact me when my work is finished?
Yes, Cat or myself will email you once your work is ready to collect - Cat is our studio manager.
Uncollected work
We will email you several times to collect your work. If you do not reply to our emails, and you do not contact us directly, we will eventually throw your work away.
We clear out the studio twice a year, if work has been sat on the shelf for more than 6 months, we will assume you do not want it. To ensure your work is not thrown away, please email us so that we know you want it.
If you cannot find the answer to your question, please contact us.