New members information
Enjoy working with friendly and committed people in this unique building.
Basic tools:
- Apron, cheese wire, craft knife, rubber kidney, metal kidneys (serrated and plain), 2 paint brushes (soft hair), notebook.
Clays and Work Identification
- Clays suitable for all making purposes are for sale from the Tutor
- In addition, reclaimed (mixed) clay (£5 per bag) is usually available
- Please take clay home as storage space is very limited
- Each class is allocated a symbol to identify work – please ask your Tutor what this is
- Label everything with your class mark to avoid confusion. NO POTS WILL BE FIRED WITHOUT AN IDENTIFICATION MARK (exception for buttons/beads). Please let technicians know if you have your own personal mark and do not wish to use the class mark, so they can identify your pot.
Progressing Work and Firing
- Firing charges are in addition to your class fees and should be pre-paid via the iZettle
- Monitor work in progress and put on the correct shelf for drying/firing.
- There are frequent firings and every effort is made to process work as quickly as possible
- When your work has been bisque fired, it will be put on your class shelf in the glazing room
- When your work has been glazed, it will be put on the glass shelves next to the iZettle
- The firing charge covers the cost of glaze materials, electricity and gas for biscuit and glaze firings.
Health and Safety issues
In order for the tutors to respond and make your experience in class an enjoyable one, please make them aware of any condition you may feel would be exacerbated by contact with clay/glaze materials or the like. They will support you to find the most appropriate way to work. Please be reassured that any information will be treated in the strictest of confidence
Clearing Up
- Clay dust is a health hazard
- Please wash worktops and all tools and equipment
- Please wash the floor around your workspace and put your chair on the table
- Try not to put any clay down the sink – there are containers on both floors for clay waste
- Good housekeeping at both sinks keeps everyone happy – and deters mice!
Facilities
- A lift is available for wheelchair access and moving work between floors
- The toilet is located on the ground floor, immediately to the right as you enter the main door
- Coat hooks are on the first floor
Events
Events are held throughout each year including:
- Masterclasses and Demonstration Days with visiting potters
- Raku firings
- Exhibition of Members’ work – At the end of the Autumn Term
Details of all of these events will be on the Notice Board in the workshop or posted on our BLOG.
Contributions to the blog are welcome. You can use it to offer any articles for sale, potters tips, favorite tools or glaze combinations.
Volunteers
West Street Potters offers ceramics classes for people of all abilities was set up by a dedicated group of volunteers in 1998 and still operates in this way
The value of voluntary time given towards this venture cannot be over-emphasised
If you are able to offer any help, especially for ‘clearing up days’ please contact: info@weststreetpotters.co.uk
