Question 1

I'm new to ceramics and don't know where to start. What do I do?

Accepted Answer

We recommend that you book a Taster session, a Six Week Course or a Clay Day, Clay morning, Clay Afternoon or our Yoga Throwdown.  You will be introduced to the basics of ceramics on all of these sessions in a way that is easy to understand and fun!

In terms of what kind of work you might like to make, is helpful to reflect on whether you are more interested in sculptural clay work (handbuilding) or ceramics for utilitarian purposes such as mugs and plates etc. (wheel throwing). Of course, utility and art are not exclusive and you can make sculptural or utilitarian pieces with both techniques. You can have a go at both Hand building and Wheel throwing on all of our sessions and courses.

Question 2

Is your studio accessible?

Accepted Answer

Dalston Clay aims to make clay as accessible as possible for all our participants. We will do our best to accommodate any mobility or sensory needs that may arise. You may leave a session at any time, provided that you clean up your area before departure.

Please contact us before your session at info@dalstonclay.com to arrange accommodations.

Physical accessibility:
Dalston Clay is at the top of 5 flights of stairs, with a total of 50 steps.
Alternatively, there is elevator access to the second floor, followed by 10 steps.
To access the lift, at the 3 Bradbury st. entrance, ring unit 308 and we will buzz you in. Then take the lift to the second floor, walk to the end of the balcony and walk up the last set of stairs which leads directly to the studio door.

Wheel classes are conducted sitting down, while handbuilding can be done standing or sitting.

Sensory accessibility:
Dalston clay is not a scent-free space -- We use incense sparingly during sessions.
We keep lights low during sessions. 
There is some disruptive noise from the plaza outside -- you may wish to bring noise-canceling headphones.

Visual/hearing impaired accessibility:
We currently do not offer sessions for people with visual or hearing impairments. If you would like to organize a group or private session, please contact us directly.
Partially yes. The studio is located on the third floor of the Bradbury works building and there are two entrances: One with a lift and one without.    At the 10b Bradbury Street entrance ring the Buzzer and we will buzz you in, then walk up the stairs to the third floor.

Question 3

How does my work get glazed and fired?

Question 4

When can I collect my work?

Question 5

Do you offer kiln hire?

Accepted Answer

As a small communal studio with only one kiln, we're unable to offer kiln rental facilities. Our kiln is in constant use for classes and member firings, which means we don't have capacity to take on external rental bookings.

For kiln rental options in London, we recommend checking kilnshare.com - it's a great resource for finding available kilns in your area.

Question 6

How do I cancel or change a class, booking or retreat?

Accepted Answer

Please see our cancellation policy.

Question 7

What do I need to bring to a class?

Accepted Answer

All tools, materials and equipment are included along with free tea and coffee. Please wear clothes on which you don't mind smearing with clay. Regulars attending the drop-in sessions are welcome to bring their own clay, tools and equipment providing that they are either taken away after the session or left in one of our eight lockers that are available for hire. If the session includes yoga or meditation, then loose comfortable clothing are essential. If in doubt feel free to contact us.

Question 8

Will my work be food safe after is is fired?

Accepted Answer

Providing your work has been glazed and fired then the answer is yes. Unglazed areas are porous and so can harbour bacteria, so if in doubt, ask one of our team.

Question 9

Is there parking or bike storage available?

Accepted Answer

By bike: There are secure bike rails right outside the Dalston Clay entrance.

By car: There's paid parking on neighbouring streets (Mon-Sat, 8.30am-6.30pm) and free parking outside these hours.

Question 10

Can I store things in the studio?

Accepted Answer

Your work takes approximately one month to be processed through our kiln schedule. Once fired, we'll store your finished pieces for one additional month free of charge - giving you up to 2 months total from your class date to collect them.

After this time, uncollected work will be donated to Dalston Oxfam or responsibly disposed of.

Need longer storage? We have 8 lockers available at £10/month - please contact us to check availability.

During sessions: Please take all personal belongings (bags, coats, tools, etc.) with you after each class.

Question 11

Do you offer courses?

Accepted Answer

Yes we do. These are aimed at beginner and intermediate level.  You can find our current courses on offer here

Question 12

Do you offer drop-in sessions?

Accepted Answer

Yes we do. You can find out about Drop-In sessions here

Question 13

Do you offer private tuition?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we offer private tuition in handbuilding, wheel throwing and many other aspects of ceramics practice including glazing and electric kiln. One-to-one sessions taught by our founder Barnaby Hosking or our studio manager Ben Nicholls and cost from £65/hr, including all materials. These sessions run between 1-6pm pm Tuesday - Friday. If you have any special requests in terms of tuition please contact us or you can go ahead and request to book a session

Question 14

Do you offer memberships?

Accepted Answer

Currently we do not offer memberships as we have found that, contrary to initial intentions, when customers purchase memberships they often fail to attend enough sessions to justify the cost. Instead we have chosen to offer Drop-In sessions which can be booked singularly or as a bundle of 5 or 10

Question 15

Do you offer discounts for block booking of classes?

Accepted Answer

We offer discounts for Drop-In sessions when booked in bundles of 5 (for the price of 4) or 10 (for the price of 8) sessions. You can find out more about Drop-In sessions here

Question 16

How can I request a discount due to low or no-income or other financial difficulties?

Accepted Answer

If you feel that you qualify for a discount then please feel free to email us. Based on your circumstances we will either offer a reduced fee or free place on the specified session, course or retreat.

Question 17

Do you offer student discounts?

Accepted Answer

If you are a student and require a discount, please contact us with proof of enrolment and we will sort out a discount for you.

Question 18

Can I book Dalston Clay for a private event?

Accepted Answer

Yes you can. The entirety of the studio is available for hire all day Sundays and Mondays.  Please see our Private Group Sessions page or contact us directly with details of your proposed event. We do not offer catering, but you are welcome to bring your own food and drink.

Question 19

Do you sell gift vouchers?

Accepted Answer

Yes we do here

Question 20

Can I bring my kids to a class and do you do kids classes?

Accepted Answer

Currently we can only offer kids classes when we receive sufficient funding to do so. If we are successful in our applications, you will find our summer holiday kids classes on our special events page

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

I'm new to ceramics and don't know where to start. What do I do?

Is your studio accessible?

How does my work get glazed and fired?

When can I collect my work?

Do you offer kiln hire?

How do I cancel or change a class, booking or retreat?

What do I need to bring to a class?

Will my work be food safe after is is fired?

Is there parking or bike storage available?

Can I store things in the studio?

Do you offer courses?

Do you offer drop-in sessions?

Do you offer private tuition?

Do you offer memberships?

Do you offer discounts for block booking of classes?

How can I request a discount due to low or no-income or other financial difficulties?

Do you offer student discounts?

Can I book Dalston Clay for a private event?

Do you sell gift vouchers?

Can I bring my kids to a class and do you do kids classes?

Find
Your
Flow

© Dalston Clay 2025

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

I'm new to ceramics and don't know where to start. What do I do?

Is your studio accessible?

How does my work get glazed and fired?

When can I collect my work?

Do you offer kiln hire?

How do I cancel or change a class, booking or retreat?

What do I need to bring to a class?

Will my work be food safe after is is fired?

Is there parking or bike storage available?

Can I store things in the studio?

Do you offer courses?

Do you offer drop-in sessions?

Do you offer private tuition?

Do you offer memberships?

Do you offer discounts for block booking of classes?

How can I request a discount due to low or no-income or other financial difficulties?

Do you offer student discounts?

Can I book Dalston Clay for a private event?

Do you sell gift vouchers?

Can I bring my kids to a class and do you do kids classes?

Find Your Flow

© Dalston Clay 2025

Find
Your
Flow