Intro
Clay Shed is a ceramic studio in Lawrence Hill, Bristol created by four artists and designers eager to share their passion for clay.
We will provide much needed studio space for professional makers at competitive rates. Our purpose built teaching space will deliver a series of workshops for budding beginners and experienced ceramicists alike.
Clay Shed.
Let’s Elaborate….
The idea of Clay Shed came about in Spring 2018 when 4 friends identified the need for a ceramic studio in Bristol for professional makers. Our aims and objectives are to provide a full time space for makers to access specialist facilities which will include their own personal studio, break out space, wheels, kilns and glaze facilities. Maker’s can benefit from a communal kitchen, free wifi, 24 hr access and being part of a creative community which nurtures professional development.
Clay Shed aims to encourage critical discussion through a regular programme of crits, visiting artists and demonstrations which will be available to our studio holders as well as members of the public.
Our purpose built class room will host a range of classes and workshops to suit all levels and abilities. This will include a regular programme of hand building and throwing sessions over a series of weeks as well as one off specialist workshops. We welcome other creative enterprises to hire our space to run classes.
Why do we need 12K?
It turns out that converting an old cabinet maker’s warehouse into a superbly equipped ceramic studio costs a lot of money. Whilst we have self funded a huge amount of this project so far and are able to do a lot of work ourselves, there are some things we need professionals to do. Raising an extra 12k will help us to update the electrics, install plumbing and heating and generally make a lovely habitable space. This money will also help contribute to purchasing kilns, wheels and other specialist equipment. We will be able to fit out the studio with bespoke tables, shelving and windows that don’t leak (which is high on our priority list).
Top: The unit on our first visit in July 2018. Bottom: Beginning to clear the unit out in Oct 2018
Director's Louise and Dave discussing plans in the same tenant's space after a massive clear out.
The Space Itself.
After several false starts we came across Unit 6 at Russell Town Avenue Industrial estate in summer 2018. From the moment we squeezed past the JCB parked inside and climbed over old stacks of veneer, we knew this unit had the potential to be our studio. An old cabinet maker’s warehouse left untouched for 10 years, we set about helping the landlord clear the space in late September. Years of being unused has left the unit in a slightly sorry state of affairs. But we see huge potential.
Our intention is to transform the main room into our tenant’s studio with purpose built spaces for up to 8 makers. Our classroom will be a flexible space, suitable for hosting a range of different workshops. We will transform the old lacquer room into a fully functional kitchen and we have already installed a toilet in the former cupboard next door. Our technical room comes off the classroom space. Here we will provide our tenants and students with an area for glazing, plaster and our 3 kilns (so far).
The mezzanine floor upstairs has a further space for 2 tenants and this is where you will find Clay Shed management.
Floor plan of the ground floor studio space.
The Faces behind Clay Shed
Our founders and directors are Louise Blois, Dave Chilton, Steve Sales and Alice Shields. Having met through Bristol’s creative scene our team have nearly 30 yrs experience of making between them ranging from running successful businesses to teaching and post graduate study at Bath Spa University and Cardiff School of Art & Design.
Left to right: Steve, Alice, Dave and Louise.
All together now
Community is a big word for us. Through setting up Clay Shed we want to nurture not only the professional makers within our own studio space but widen the already existing community of artists and practitioner’s within Bristol. We hope Clay Shed can become a central hub to network, share ideas, knowledge and support practitioners from all disciplines.
We feel it is the right time to set up a ceramic studio. Clay is so hot right now (Cheesy Dad joke. Sorry). There are lots of ceramic studios popping up all over the country and within the city of Bristol we want to share our passion for clay with a wider community. From those who have never touched clay before but have always wanted a go on the potter’s wheel to those who want to increase their knowledge and try something new. We would like to get to know our local community as well opening up our doors throughout the year to welcome new faces into our Shed. Our location in the heart of Lawrence Hill with excellent public transport networks makes us an easily accessible space to get to at any time of the day.
Our Rewards
Our £25 reward: Personalise your own limited edition Clay Shed mug.
(disclaimer: your mug will look far more professional)
One of our £50 rewards: Taster throwing session on the potter's wheel for beginners.
Our £120 reward: Limited edition 6 week Introduction to Hand Building course.
Our £150 reward: Our 'Barry White' special throwing session.
Our £300 reward: Group Party workshop for up to 10 ppl.
Our £1000 reward: A once in a lifetime 'Bull in a China Shop' experience. Have a smash on us.
Say it with Clay (Shed) this Christmas.
If you want to purchase one of our rewards as a Christmas gift for someone this year, we'll happily provide a gift voucher for you to fill out.
Thank You.
Clay Shed (aka Alice, Dave, Louise and Steve)