WORKSHOP: Monster Pots @ Ravn Clay

Stoneware Pottery Monster Workshop in Northumberland

This monstrous pottery class, now in its fifth year, designed for all ages, will see you create a plant pot using the slab-building technique in just ninety minutes! Although simple in principle, it will involve giving your monster character and personality, so lots of imagination will be needed to create your Frankenstein Pot! The basic method will be demonstrated at the start, and then it’s up to you to create your pot! Once finished, your monster will stay at the studio to be fired, glazed and then re-fired. Then it’s up to you to plant and nurture your monster pot – and grow something that matches the personality that has emerged – or use it for pens, brushes, whatever…

There are only eight places per session – this allows enough access to support for everyone to be successful! As this is a creative class designed to be accessible to all, including younger potters, we must insist that a parent or guardian attends with any participant aged 16 or under. The numbers are limited to avoid overcrowding in the workshop. Each ticket books a maker’s-seat at the pottery table. If you are going to have to attend as a (free) spectator, please make a note of this at the time of booking.

If you book a place for a young person and feel they will need help in creating their monster, please come along and help them (as a non-paying spectator). Even with only eight people booked in a session, it can be difficult to support everyone in the way they need. Again, please note this at the time of booking.

The ticket price covers all tuition, tools, firings and glaze for one monster pot. Please note that these pots will be glazed in just one colour – dip-glazed as you request.

A word of warning – the kiln Gods can be fickle, and despite doing everything possible, some pieces will fail, crack or blow up (!) in the kiln. There are no guarantees in pottery, not even for seasoned potters. A second word of warning – working with pottery can be hugely addictive. You have been warned!

The New Ford Studio is housed on the ground floor of the old Reading Rooms – you will find it just up the road from Lady Waterford Hall. Nearby are many attractions and places to walk, shop and eat; how about a nearby Narrow-gauge Railway (that runs to Etal Castle and back), a working flour mill, a Village Shop & Tearoom, a heavy horse centre, a micro-brewery, or a Riverside cafe?

Please note – access to the studio is only via a set of external stone steps, and there is a single toilet available on site. The booking cost (£22.50) secures a spot at the maker’s table; if you need to stay to support a younger participant, please make sure you have noted this when you book your ticket!

If you need your work posting out to you or someone else, please ensure you book an additional postage and packing ticket!

And finally – There is ample free parking at Ford, at Heatherslaw and at Etal. Ravn Clay sits at the heart of the Estate, which also offers camping, glamping, B&Bs and guests houses. And there’s plenty more to do and see while you are here –

See www.ford-and-etal.co.uk for more details.