Sak Beh Studio Pottery

This is a five week throwing course. The course is suitable for all levels and will comprise of five, consecutive, two hour sessions and will take place on Sundays.  Each person will have their own dedicated wheel for the entire length of the course. At the end of the course, you will have up to five items to take home. 

All materials, firings and tuition are included in the price.

Outline

**Week 1** - This session will involve intensive teaching. You will be taught, step by step, how to throw a pot on the wheel. The teacher will demonstrate how to prepare your clay for throwing. You will then be shown how to centre, open, and pull up the walls of the pot. There will be plenty of practice time.

**Week 2** - This is a chance to build on what you learned in week one. You will be encouraged to produce more complex forms and also to throw taller forms.

**Week 3** - In this session, you will turn (trim) your pots on the wheel, using a variety of tools. Turning is the process of removing excess clay to refine the shape of your pot. It is also the process by which you will make a foot ring.

**Week 4** - You will finish all your trimming and will also learn to make and attach handles to some of the items made on week two. This may be a mug or a jug. If you have time and would like to try out a decorative technique, such as Sgraffito, now is your opportunity. This is done by painting designs on your pot with coloured clay known as slips.

**Week 5** - You will be introduced to glazing and will spend this last session glazing all your pots.

Your work will be ready for collection two weeks after the last class and we will hold your work for a further month. Unfortunately, due to limited storage space, we cannot keep your work beyond this time.

We offer a complimentary self serve tea bar with a selection of snacks.

Five Week Throwing Course 

Michaela Kokavcova

This is  my second class I’ve booked with Sak Beh pottery studio ... 5 week throwing course is amazing experience , You learn so much , truly enjoyed every minute of it 🙏🏻 
Tessa is a great teacher and I’m already looking forward doing some more . 

Annie Ng

The studio is the cleanest I've seen; small class size; a lot of creative freedom; and thoughtful instruction. It was a very personable experience. I highly recommend this course to get the foundations of the full process. 

Pete Marchant

Excellent work environment. Clear and focused teaching technique across the five weeks. Outstanding support from the teacher and the technician. First class modelling of work practice. Great atmosphere. 

Jess Trafford

Great to get to see and experience every stage of the process! Tessa is great. 

Josh Springthorpe

The course was my second throwing experience, but the first one so in depth. Tessa is a good and patient teacher. She balances 1-2-1 time and group explanations very well. I really enjoyed it and I can't wait to pick up my creations!

Wendy Davies

The course was well planned and organised. We were able to move onto the throwing very quickly and enjoy success early on. Highly recommended. 

Andrew Bates

I have only had my first session, but it was fantastic! Great teacher and lots of time to practice :)

Celine Castillon

Just did one course so far but I can’t wait to go back 

Meghan Cooley

Marina Elvira

 Great course. The teacher is great and the space is beautiful. 

Selena Truong

I'm really enjoying my classes. Tessa's studio is so beautiful & spotlessly clean. She's really friendly and makes sure to spend 1:1 time with everyone in class to help develop their skills and the forms we make. 

Prathab Narenthiran

The course was unbelievably great fun! Tessa was a fantastic teacher and the class was in a small enough group (7 of us) so you were always able to seek help when you needed it. Tessa and her colleague are there to help make sure you progress as much as possible, while the class is 2 hours long there certainly isn't any clock watching for you to leave. I managed to make 5 pieces and in turn have a much shorter xmas present list :) I couldn't recommend the course enough and it was a brilliant way to spend a couple of hours on Sunday, super relaxing.  I'm VERY tempted to do it again! 

Anna

Good clear advice and a relaxed atmosphere when starting out to throw pots. In a light room with tea and coffee.😊

Arthur Sharples

Emily Childs

Really great first class at Sak Beh. The space is lovely and peaceful and it’s a small group - so you get plenty of one on one. The time flew by and I can’t wait to get back next week. I really recommend if you’re new to throwing. I hadn’t done it for about twenty years so was very rusty but you get straight in to having a go yourself, with some gentle guidance. Such a relaxing Sunday afternoon 

Janis Griffiths 

Had a lovely time on the throwing course, learning the making process from start to finish. Small numbers meant lots of individual attention and advice. Looking forward to collecting the fired items soon!

Laura Clink

Such a great course! Small class sizes with two teachers means you get great guidance throughout. The studio is such a beautiful and calm space to spend a few hours each weekend. Had an amazing time.

Ursula Martinez Tudela

Great experience, the studio is beautiful, we had access to two teachers for six students. Attention to details and crafting. I would definitely recommend it

This was my second time taking the 5 week course and it was just as good as the first time, it's a really calming way of spending your Sundays :) Tessa & Gok are great teachers and you really feel supported throughout the whole process. Hoping to collect my pieces in a couple weeks and handing them out at Christmas :) I'll definitely be back next year! I highly recommend joining a class.  

Tracey Macario

 An excellent course, well taught and thorough, covering all aspects of throwing, finishing and glazing pots. There is a lot to cram into 5 weeks so you have to work quite quickly and not worry about making everything perfect. Initially you throw 5 to 6 pots which you then work on for the rest of the course. It really makes you appreciate the skills of the potters. Studio is very clean. Aprons are provided as is tea and coffee and biscuits (if you have time!)

Petros Dagres

Very friendly people, fun and informative at the same time.

Elizabeth Smith

It's only been one week so far, but the teachers are very nice (and patient with us beginners), the studio is lovely and I am looking forwards to progressing through the course!

Sze Ki Tsang

The whole experience is very nice. Clear instructions and helpful teachers... definitely go try it!

Matthew  Hichens

Really loving the course so far.  Amazing teachers x 2 in a class  5! Coming back to ceramics after a long time away its was an absolutely inspiring and beautiful session. Thank you. 

Lisa Duong

Really really enjoying my 5week course. Love that the class isn’t to big and you really get to learn the step by step of pottery. Highly recommend x

Judy Zhou

Great teaching, very engaging and helpful!

Mylene Browne

Adriana Rivadeneira

I had done a ceramics course before and then did a throwing taster in Sak beh, I learnt so much in that session that I decided to sign up for the 5week course. Tessa and Kwok are great teachers, all the materials used are of great quality,  and the space is calm and clean. I really recommend the 5week course as I feel so much more confident in my skills now and would come back for another course just for how enjoyable  the classes are. Thank you Tessa and Kwok! 

Beatrice Stewart

A wonderfully insightful course about the fundamentals of pottery. I was very bad, but the teachers were incredibly helpful and patient! The class catered to a variety of skill levels, so I'd definitely go back again to hone my techniques. And the studio was absolutely beautiful. 

Anna Humber

I really enjoyed the course. The teachers are fab; so patient, kind and with so much expertise. I loved that their training is fine art too so you are learning from that perspective. The studio is also just such a lovely space to spend time in. I’ll definitely do another course again this year. Thank you! 

Fran Ogilvie Vaeza

I just did the 5 week throwing course after doing a couple of individual sessions and Tess runs a well thought out and incredibly easy program to follow, a real pleasure to attend!

Katherine McBride

Such a fantastic and fun class - I want to do it again already! Absolutely beautiful space, great instructors, and a lovely course overall. Highly recommend! 

P.Joy De-Shong

Very friendly, inclusive, bright atmosphere, lots of advice on how to use a potters wheel. Can't wait to get back and move onto the next step.

This was my 4th time attending a course and have enjoyed it just as much as the first! Tessa & Kwok are phenomenal teachers and the class size allows you to learn at a good pace. It's a really relaxing way to spend a couple of hours on a Sunday, can't wait to sign up for the next one :) 

Cecilia Orr

Lovely course with incredibly attentive teachers.

Julie Pon

Lovely studio with approachable and friendly teachers! 

Over five weeks, you will throw different forms (bowl, vase) on the wheel and trim, paint, decorate and glaze your creations. 

On this throwing workshop, you will learn a little about the properties of clay and the importance of wedging. You will also learn how to centre, open and pull up the walls of your pot. There will be a maximum of seven people on this throwing workshop and each person will have their own dedicated wheel for the entire length of the session. There will also be two teachers with a teacher/student ratio of 1 teacher to 3.5 students. Please note, this is a group class. If you are looking for 1 to 1 teaching (one teacher to one participant) or 1 to 2 (one teacher to two participants) then you may find that a private session works best for you.

You can keep your best pot to take home, after it has been fired and glazed for you.  Please note that the last 10 minutes of the class is dedicated to studio practice, which involves cleaning of your wheel and tools.

What happens to your pots after they have been thrown?
At the end of the workshop you will choose your best piece or pot to keep. Two days after the workshop, your pot will be turned (trimmed) on the wheel for you.  Your pot will then be put on a shelf to dry for several days. Once dry, it will be ready for it’s first bisque firing in the kiln. After the bisque fire, your pot will be glazed and once again put through the kiln, but this time for the final glaze firing. 

As you can see, your wheel throwing  experience is only a small part of a much, much longer and very labour intensive process. Turning (trimming and shaping your pot on the wheel) and glazing are all part of the making process and just as important as throwing on the wheel. 

When your work is ready for collection, usually two or three weeks after the class, you will be able to collect your pieces! Collection is from Sak Beh Pottery and the collection dates are listed on the Sak Beh Website. So please check the Sak Beh Website for your collection date by clicking the tab, collection of pots. We don’t send out emails as they tend to go to spam folders or are not read.

Due to limited shelf and storage space, pots or work that remain uncollected one month after notification will (sadly) be disposed of.

(If you wish to keep a second pot, there will be an extra charge of £8.)

We offer a complimentary self serve tea bar with a selection of snacks.


Intensive Wheel Throwing Workshop

I have now done this taster lesson twice. Loved it! I'm hoping to make this a proper hobby :) Lovely teachers who welcome you with a cuppa. Beautiful new studio and and great tutoring. Highly recommended

Suzanne Reeves

Thoroughly enjoyed this taster session - the studio is beautiful and Mallory was such a brilliant instructor. She was so passionate about ceramics it was impossible not to share her enthusiasm, and she was calm, patient, and supportive throughout. I unreservedly recommend this class!

Isabelle Hanson

Sak Beh Studio is a beautiful space and Gabby is a lovely and really helpful and encouraging teacher. Great way to spend an evening..will be coming back ! 

Aaysha Sohal

A really enjoyable session. My husband and I thought that it was well organised. Rosie provides clear instructions and demonstrations - she made sure she gave everyone some individual time to help with their pottery. I was really pleased with the items I made. The venue was lovely: clean, bright and well equipped. 

Emma Thorby

Had such an amazing class with Malory,she was so thorough and really explained everything so well. A great first experience with Obby in a beautiful studio

Hazel Will

Fantastic value for money. Session started promptly with a  health and safety briefing and  instructions about throwing the  clay. Then we picked up our clay, choose a wheel and got started. It was a great learning environment and we were actively supported and instructed throughout.. I  was very happy when I picked up my two pots, which had been  fired and glazed. I  would highly recommend this taster session.

Such a great class and  I hope to do more in the future , absolutely brilliant teachers ! 

Arianna Sardi

Rosie is very friendly and welcoming. She is explained very clearly all the process from start to finish to gives us instructions on what to do. She also made sure everyone got some help when needed. I would have wanted also to paint my piece after the firing, but looking forward for other sessions when that will be possible. Rosie makes pottery throwing achievable for everyone! 

SAVIOUR ALFINO

Very good class which I really enjoyed. I will recommend to others. 

Jyoti Halai

Brilliant afternoon spent learning about pottery crafting and main techniques to shape and throw. Quite a challenge but the instructor as fab! Was such a laugh and would totally do it again :)

Bushra Shaikha

I really enjoyed the workshop. The teacher was great, really enthusiastic, interested in what we were making and made sure we all ended up with something to take back from the session. I will definitely recommend this class! 5 star from me!

Christina Carè

Great class, very enjoyable! Malory was a very detailed instructor. It would have been great though if Sak Beh had a few pictures of what you wanted to achieve at each step to keep you on track (also one step - centring - wasn't on the board of steps). Otherwise great session and really appreciated the feedback along the way! Thank you :)

Danny James

The class was great! For the first 45-60 minutes we were shown the concepts and basics of throwing in a clear and comprehensive manner. We then spent about an hour and a half having a go ourselves. Gabby, the instructor, was friendly, welcoming, helpful, inclusive and gave clear direction while allowing room for creativity and error. It was exactly what I was looking for from a first session and has spurred me on to take up a five week course. Thanks!

Emily Micalizzi

Such a lovely class with a passionate and talented teacher. The studio space was so inspiring and the class size was perfect. I'm totally addicted and can't wait to go back!

ilaria niccoli

The course is was fun and I learned a lot. The teacher was very passionate and helpful. I'll definetely go back!

Laura Meadows

Such an enjoyable class, our instructor Gabbi was an amazing instructor. 
I will definitely be back for more lessons in the future. 

I took my mum for mothers day and she really enjoyed the experience too! we can't wait to go pick up our creations and see how they turned out.

Cristina Parente

anna wilton

Was back for my 3rd class, and again was so much fun. Tessa is a great teacher!

Emma Doyle

Gabby is a wonderful teacher! She has an extensive technical knowledge which allows for a very informative and insightful throwing experience. You do not feel rushed within the timeframe and are able to ask questions to get the most out of the workshop. It was a relaxed environment with no judgement and the studio is beautifully set up and organised, uncluttered and bright - a perfect creative atmosphere and I will definitely be coming back! Thank you to Gabby and Tessa for having me.

Sabrina azman

Such a lovely and supportive teacher! The number of students are perfect so everyone has equal amount of attention. The studio space is very very clean and comfortable. Go for it!

Chris Andrew Paterson

Class was overbooked and I was not given any notice or cancellation. I showed up as booked but was told I could not attend.  This is the second time something like this has happened.  I can't comment on the teaching. 

Hazel Sarah

Really informative, fun class - can recommend! 

Rebecca Killick

Such a great class. Delightful studio with wonderful facilities. Our teacher was brilliant- so patient and inspiring and clearly a true love for clay and ceramics. 

Clementine Fletcher-Smith

Great workshop, beautiful studio, incredibly useful tuition. Will come back!

Patricia Rodrigues

Really enjoyed my this workshop. Each person had their our own station (no sharing/split time), we learned a little about pottery and clay, as well as the techniques we would be using. We watched the teacher making a pot and then we applied what we learned to our piece.
At the end, everyone helped clean the stations so we also learned about the cycle of clay and how you can reclaim it, as well as the care you should have with silica dust.
The studio also offers classes if you're keen on that after the workshop.
Can't wait to pick up my piece!

Mollie Birchall

Really great class and helpful instructor. 

Choi-Ha Luu

Lovely studio! Very informative on basics and had a great time on the wheel as a beginner. Would definitely recommend!

Joyce C

Great taster experience, and good introduction to the fundamentals/basics. The instructor was very friendly and clear in her instructions, and the small group makes the experience all the more fun and engaging! 

Olivia Weightman

The class was very fun and the teachers worked were very knowledge and helpful. 

Elena Mag

Had a great time! Rosie was very patient. She talked through all the steps - excellent particularly for beginners! 

Sophie Begley

What a beautiful studio, the photos do not do it justice. 
Had a few problems with too many folks showing up for the class which the owner was not able to manage well and instead blamed Obby. Was an incredibly awkward start. 
The instructions and class were great, although the wheel throwing was more difficult that I thought it would be! The instructor was super hands on and helpful and was able to make some pots. 
They don't send you any reminders when your pots are done, you have to check their website for this - don't forget!

VE Dvs

Fantastic instructor and beautiful studio. The beginners workshop I attended was really enjoyable with a lovely vibe. The instruction and modelling was perfect for absolute beginners. It’s a bit of a shame that the pots are glazed for you and that you’re only allowed to keep one - I hadn’t realised this beforehand - but do understand given time constraints. I’d love to come back for more sessions! 

Ernest Lim

Great introduction to wheel spinning. Would've liked better timekeeping!

Violet Barrows

Such a nice instructor ! She went though everything so thoroughly and helped when needed but also allowed you to just have fun with it. Perfect for people who have never done something like it! X

Alicia Barry

It was our first time throwing and we loved it! Rosie is a really amazing teacher, she talks through everything so clearly and gives lots of help if you're not so confident. Highly recommended!

Nico Catro

Really great workshop, the studio is warm, clean, and cozy! Would highly recommend to anyone, found throwing really hard and satisfying at the same time.

Sofie Onderbeke

Great teacher who taught us a lot of techniques during a 3hours pottery session. Pretty studio where they respect all materials and are eco-friendly. I would recommend this to anyone who is interested and wants to learn more! 

Becky Wise

My first time throwing--we learnt all the important stages and I really enjoyed the process! Can't wait to pick up my pot. 

Rollo Martin

Really good fun. Great teacher and nice studio 👏

Lena Drapella

Felicity 'Flick'

This workshop was honestly one of the most enjoyable things I’ve done in a while! It offered the perfect amount of teaching and hands-on practical experience so that you could get use to throwing in the time provided. I would 100% recommend it to anyone thinking about trying this art form out!

Dominique Sleet

It was a fun afternoon and the instructor was very knowledgeable but I would have liked more time actually  playing with the clay as we only got two attempts on the wheel.

marie lacaze

It was a very lovely experience. The teacher gave us very clear explanations. I really did appreciate the fact that the place was absolutely spotless.
I only wish we could have done more trial by our self at the end (and a little less cleaning- even if i don't mind at all eheh :) )
I do highly recommend it!
See you soon!

Camila Sanchez

It was so much fun! we learned the basics and were able to keep the piece we loved. Also loved that they taught us about the importance of mindfulness with clay, making sure we don't waste it as we wash our hands in the sink.

ula R

Rebecca Wise

A fantastic way to get into throwing- my first experience and one I'd love to try again. We learnt the theory and tried out each step, a wonderful way to spend a sunday afternoon!

Calli Field

Great way to try out throwing. Mallory was super helpful and knowledgable. Would recommend if you want to give pottery a go

Richard Osorio

A brilliant workshop in a lovely environment with a great and encouraging teacher.

Stephanie Au

Amazing experience! Went for my birthday with my friends and the instructor was so friendly and professional! Made it so much more fun. Highly recommend

VIKTORIA Ivan

Eloise was a great instructor and the studio is really cool and neat. The theory/practice ratio was good and the effort they put in the pieces after is impressive. Can't wait to pick up my final piece!

Joanne Murdock

I never expected to be able to actually throw a piece! So happy with what I made. The leader of the class was so nice and helpful and the studio was lovely 

Philip Roberts

Lots of fun, great teacher and we’ll definitely be back

Tasha Tan

The instructor was intimidating, every time I made a mistake she would say that “well this is not good because you’ve done this wrong again”. It made me feel insecure and useless as it was my first time doing it. Also, the class ended 30minutes earlier that stated. I was surprised that we could only take 1 of our creations home and an additional £3.50 will be charged if u want to take more than that. I have seen many other places that allows us to take 4 of our pieces home for free. Not worth £50 for the service and the fact that it was less than 3 hours.

None None

I can't rate the experience this time as we were not able to participate. I had booked to attend the class with a friend but there was something wrong with the booking system and we were turned away at the door.  We received a refund but the class was booked far in advance and it was disappointing not to be able to take part in the class as we had travelled to get there. 

Attended with friends.  Was a fun two hours we made two pots and picked them up a few weeks later. Great if you have had no experience.

Lisa O’Dea

Kim Vanopstal

Good class, with detailed instructions and lots of one-on-one teaching time. Very clean space! 

C West

I really enjoyed this workshop! It was informative and great fun. The class was nice and small so we all had a chance to learn and get tips from the teacher, who offered clear guidance when needed but didn't interfere. I'd definitely recommend it for a fun afternoon of trying something new!

Emma Jane

Rosie was lovely and very patient with all of us! Happy with what we made and can’t wait to visit again

Anne

Great course! Very thorough instructions from a very lovely, patient teacher, who helped all of us on the course throw some really quite impressive (for beginners!) mugs. bowls and vases on the wheel. Highly recommend!

Maya Sudarmana

Really enjoyed the class and the teacher was very helpful and thorough in explaining the whole process. 

There was a lot of solid time in the wheel. I thoroughly enjoyed the class. Be aware however that there isnt an opportunity to put handles on your cups unless you take the 6 or 12 week course. 

Nadia Mokhlesi

Had a brilliant morning workshop learning to throw pottery. Very friendly and knowledgable teacher, and a beautiful studio to work in. Had time to make 3 pieces x some better than others!! Would 100% recommend the class. 

Alona Malinovska

We had a great teacher; it was extremely interesting to learn about pottery. The workshop was engaging and I'd recommend it to anyone interested in wheel throwing.

Diane Enever

We had a great time on our 3 hour course. The setting it very relaxing, clean and inviting. The teacher was very informative and helped when we needed it but also let us make mistakes so we could learn how to rectify then. Really enjoyed it.

Harri Manku

I really enjoyed the work shop, Tessa is a great teacher, helpful and knowledgable. Will definitely go back!
 

Really enjoyable and therapeutic. Tessa is a great teacher!

Elisa Dg

The studio is really clean and everything is in place :) The teacher was good in explaining all the process step by step by as there are a lot of information and details to take in mind, time goes fast during the theory part. I believe should be added an extra 30 min. to have more time to dedicate to practice, otherwise nothing to say! I look forward collecting my pieces! 

This is a 2 hour throwing workshop. Beginners and intermediate throwers are welcome. 

Five Week Throwing Course

Age Requirement