Pottery Taster Workshops
The Upwey Potters are a group of ceramic artists who live & work in Upwey, Dorset, England, making and selling their work and running Workshops.
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We are happy to arrange "Tasters" for groups of people looking for a creative and socialable activity.

We offer a great way to celebrate a special birthday, gather informally with friends or even meet as part of a Hen Party!

'I booked Raku firing for a friend's hen weekend and found it to be great fun, very informal and relaxed, but professionally handled. Everyone really enjoyed it, especially to have the opportunity to both decorate the pots themselves and to take them home at the end. Bill made the session a great deal of fun, but also informative and it was great to see the pots change from being painted, to being fired, to the end result (which are all now taking pride of place on fireplaces!). Thanks again for the highlight of the weekend - great value and great fun'.

We can arrange "Corporate" functions, where work colleagues and/or clients can engage with each other in a relaxed context.

Teachers or social carers who wish to learn a new skill to use in their work place are welcome to discuss their needs. We can deliver "Inset" Training sessions, combining our knowledge and experience of teaching within the curiculum requirements.

Take a look at what can be done and contact us to discuss your preferences and book a suitable date.

Most workshops are held at the Old School Village Hall, Upwey, Weymouth, next to Wishing Well Cafe.
Or, by special arrangement, we can bring the pottery gear by van to any other suitable location.

The timing is up to you, with a minimum of 2 hours, we can start any time between 6am and 8pm, but must finish by midnight! Evening Raku Parties are very spectacular!

The Village Hall has a good kitchen, we provide bottomless pots of coffee and tea. You can either self-cater or the Upwey Potters' Catering Corp can provide food. The playground can be used for BBQs or the main Hall room for buffets or sitdown meals.

We can help arrange accommodation for people travelling from afar.

Charges depend on what is involved and are negotiated during booking, full payment is due on the day of the workshop, by cheque or cash. If you cancel within a week a small fee may have to be made to cover the Hall hire etc.

We do not offer concessions - indeed we would like to charge more to cope with children! We are not currently CRB certified and cannot deal with children unless each is accompanied by a responsible adult. However we are "Family Friendly" and encourage people of all ages to join in - potting is an excellent way to break down the barriers between generations - old and young!

Subject to a minimum overall charge, no charges are made for visitors who do not participate, especially if they take the photos or do the catering!

No previous experience is necessary, although we can offer activities and tailored tuition in particular skills if required.

The most popular activity is Raku Firing. You apply the various glazes to the biscuit fired pots provided & then watch the firing. After cooling, you clean them up & take them home. Allow at least 3 hours for this. Take a look at the webpages about raku for more information.

Pottery wheels are available for throwing pots, demonstrations and tuition will be given upon demand. This can be done by itself or while waiting for the Raku kiln to fire.

Clay is available for hand-building - creating sculptures or pots.

New pots can be left to be fired when dried out, normally about a month later they can be collected - or they are just recycled if they fail quality control!

Participants should wear old clothes & shoes (mildly waterproof, but nothing too inflammable).

Someone must bring a camera to record the entertainment.

The fees are variable, for a full day, including a Raku pot to take home and several lumps of clay, allow at least £35 per person.

Please e-mail Bill to discuss your requirements, check availability and book your place.

THE VENUE
Upwey Old School Village Hall, formerly the local village primary school, has developed a renowned reputation for its Arts and Crafts events and activities. Throughout the year there are various exhibitions and workshops covering a wide range of crafts. The Village Hall is unique in having its own dedicated Craft Room with a fully fitted pottery, which has recently been refurbished. The pottery workshop is fitted out with kick and electric wheels as well as an electric kiln for stoneware and gas kilns for raku and soda firing.

Next door to the Hall is the Famous Wishing Well Café and Water Gardens, a tranquil oasis of peace and calm and excellent "watering-hole". You can arrange to eat their - either at lunch time or for a cream tea - Booking is advisable. Tel 01305 814470.

Follow the Wishing Well signs from the main Dorchester to Weymouth road, on the B3159 to Martinstown. Or coming from the west we are at the bottom of the hill entering Upwey.