Pottery Studio Guidelines, Terms & Conditions

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Welcome to our pottery studio! This is a shared community space where members support one another in keeping the studio clean, safe, and enjoyable. By attending classes or using the studio, you agree to follow the guidelines below.

 

1. Community & Shared Responsibility

• Treat the studio as your own working space.

• Help maintain a respectful, welcoming, and safe environment for all members and staff.

• Be mindful of others’ personal and mental space—everyone learns at their own pace.

A clean and respectful studio allows everyone to create comfortably.​

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2. Studio Clean-Up

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All work areas and tools must be cleaned after use. The last 15 minutes of every studio class are dedicated to clean-up. During this time, each student is responsible for gathering their tools and thoroughly cleaning their own work area, including:

• Work tables

• Floors

• Wheels

• Tools and equipment used

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This is a shared community studio, and its cleanliness depends on everyone doing their part.

A good rule of thumb:
When you finish, the space should be cleaner than when you started—no exceptions.​

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3. Zero-Waste & Sustainability Policy

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We do our best to operate the studio using zero-waste practices. Whenever possible, materials are reused or recycled to minimize waste.

• Clay, glaze, and all sedimentary materials must never be poured down studio sinks, as this damages plumbing and harms our waste systems.

• Please dispose of all materials using the designated reclaim buckets and waste containers provided.

• We use a 3 bucket water system in the studio for cleaning, washing and clay recycling.

• Hands, tools and equipment contaminated with clay are washed using the 3 buckets. These are settled out over night and all the clay sediment is dried and recycled back into studio clay and the clean water is siphoned off to be re-used in the buckets and also used as cleaning mopping water for the studio.

• Brushes and tools used for glazing are cleaned in a Glazey Water Bucket, again this is settled out over night and all the glaze sediment is made up and adjusted to make new studio glazes and the water is siphoned off and used to process the new glazes and wash glaze sieves etc

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4. Sink & Washing Rules

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• Never pour throwing water, bucket of water with glaze, or wash muddy hands/tools directly in the sink, as this will clog the pipes.

• Wash hands and tools first in the rinse bucket using a sponge, then rinse with clean water in the sink.

• Wash brushes with glaze in a bucket before cleaning in the sink.

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5. Apron & Towel

• Members must bring their own apron and towel to each class.

• Aprons and towels must be cleaned before the next session.

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6. Clay, Glazes & Health Safety

• The studio uses high-quality clay and non-toxic, commercial glazes that are food-safe when fired correctly.

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7. Clay Dust & Silica

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• Clay is not hazardous by itself, but when wet clay dries, it produces fine dust containing silica, which can be harmful when inhaled.

• These particles can remain airborne for up to 12 days.

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To reduce health risks:

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• Clean wet clay promptly before it dries

• Maintain cleanliness at all times

• No sanding inside the studio

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Sanding Policy

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• Greenware should be finished to require little or no sanding after firing.

• If sanding is necessary:

  • It must be done outside (not in the breezeway)

  • A dust mask is strongly recommended

  • Students must consult their instructor before sanding

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8. Respect for Artwork & Safety

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• Do not touch other people’s pottery, especially bone-dry pieces.

• If you need help finding or accessing your work, ask a staff member. Staff are certified pot-touchers and will safely assist.

• During wheel classes:​

  • Dangling jewelry must be removed

  • Long hair must be tied back

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9. Missed Classes & Communication Policy

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• Rescheduling classes is not allowed, as classes run at full capacity.

• We offer a swap system, allowing members to request a swap with another member on a different day.​

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Unavoidable Absences

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• If you miss a class due to unavoidable circumstances, please first try to arrange a swap with another student using the Signal community group chat.

• If you are unable to find a swap, the studio will do our best to help you make up the missed time, where possible.

• Please note that make-up classes cannot be guaranteed, as availability depends on class capacity and scheduling.

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However, making up time due to absences because of anything else such as social events, holidays, child-related activities, lunches, late meeting at work, etc. is limited to two swaps per student per term, using Signal the community group app. Please note that we can’t guarantee you will make up your missed class. 

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This limitation is because we have found that excessive swapping causes disruption to both teachers, our admin team and other students, and we want to discourage it as much as possible.

 

​Swap Rules

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• Swap requests must be made in advance via the group chat app Signal.

• Last-minute cancellations or swap requests (a few hours before class) will be considered a missed class, unless:

  • Another member agrees to swap

  • There is an emergency

• The studio is not obligated to find replacements for missed classes.

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10. Communication

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• All pottery-related communication, including swap requests, is handled only through Signal.

• Requests sent via email will not receive a reply.

• Centralizing communication helps us stay organized and respond fairly.

• Members are responsible for managing their own schedules.

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11. Data Protection

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Any personal information you give to us will be processed in accordance EU GDPR. We will use the information to process your booking, to provide the course and to inform you about similar courses which we provide, unless you tell us that you do not want to receive this information. More details can be found in our Privacy Policy.

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12. Copyright

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Photos taken at the Studio may be published to our website, social media or other material. Should you wish to not have your image shared publicly, please ensure that you inform the studio.

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Final Note

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By participating in the studio, you agree to follow these guidelines and contribute positively to the community.

Let’s work together to keep the studio clean, safe, respectful, and inspiring—a space where everyone can explore and create with confidence.

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