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Frequently asked questions
General
Not at all. Many of our classes are designed for complete beginners, and we’ll guide you through each stage of the process. Whether you’re trying pottery for the first time or returning to it after years away, you’ll be very welcome.
Pottery can get messy, so we recommend wearing comfortable clothes you don’t mind getting clay on. Bringing an apron or old shirt is also a good idea.
Closed-toe footwear is recommended, and long hair should be tied back when using the potter’s wheel.
No — all clay, tools, glazing and firing are included in your booking. We simply ask that nails are clipped short where possible, particularly for wheel throwing sessions.
We offer a range of pottery classes including:
– Clay taster sessions
– Wheel throwing courses
– Hand-building courses
– Private pottery sessions
– Pottery parties and seasonal workshops
Classes are suitable for beginners as well as those wanting to develop their skills further.
After your class, your pottery needs time to dry before being glazed and fired in the kiln. This process usually takes 3 to 4 weeks, and we’ll be in touch to let you know when your pieces are ready to collect.
Yes — we offer both beginner wheel throwing taster sessions and longer wheel throwing courses in small groups.
Private wheel throwing sessions for 2–3 people are also available.
Yes. We offer private pottery bookings for birthdays, hen parties, team socials, creative gatherings and celebrations.
Options include wheel throwing, hand-building workshops and paint-a-pot sessions.
Yes — we offer creative pottery parties for children aged 7–14 years old.
Sessions are designed to be creative, hands-on and fun, with plenty of guidance throughout.
Yes — gift vouchers are available and can be used towards classes, courses and private bookings.
They make a lovely gift for anyone wanting to try something creative. Please get in touch with us at marlowstudiopottery@gmail.com if you would like to purchase a gift voucher.
Many people find working with clay calming, grounding and creatively rewarding. Pottery encourages you to slow down, work with your hands and focus on the process, making it a wonderful break from busy day-to-day life.
As we are a small business we require sufficient notice to cancel or change bookings. plkease refer to refund policy for further details
Marlow Studio Pottery is based at Rose Business Estate in Marlow Bottom, just outside Marlow town centre, with parking available onsite.
Yes, we offer studio membership for those wanting to make pottery more regularly and work more independently within a supportive studio environment.
Membership is ideal for people with some previous pottery experience who are looking for regular studio access, creative community and space to develop their own work.
If you’re interested in becoming a member, we’d love to hear from you.
We can only give refunds if informed
20 days or more before the start date: Full refund minus £5 booking fee
Between 20 and 10 days before the start date: 50% refund minus £5 booking fee
9 days or fewer before the start date: No refund
Once a course or class has started, no refunds are given.
TRANSFERS
While bookings are fixed with less than 20 days’ notice (as outlined in the refund policy above),
you may transfer your place to a friend or family member before the course or class start date if you are unable to attend.
You must inform us of the replacement participant’s name and email address.
Once a course has started, bookings cannot be transferred.
Course blocks cannot be shared between people.
One-Off Taster Sessions only:
With 10 days or more notice, we can transfer your booking to an
alternative taster session date. 9 days or fewer before the session date: The booking becomes fixed and only a name transfer will be possible.
20 days or more before your booking date for a full refund minus £5 booking fee.
Between 20 and 10 days before the start date: 50% refund minus £5 booking fee
7 days or fewer before the start date: No refund
Minimum 48 hrs notice for any changes to the number of people attending . 50% refund on cost per person not attending (cancellations for a maximum of 2 persons will receive this refund)
On the rare occasion Marlow Studio Pottery needs to cancel a class or private booking an alternate date or full refund will be offered.
Yes. Pottery is made from clay and, although it becomes durable after firing, it can still crack, chip, or break during the making and firing process. This is a normal part of ceramics and can happen for a variety of reasons, including trapped air bubbles, uneven thickness of piece or natural stresses that occur in the kiln.
While we take great care when handling and firing your work, we cannot guarantee that every piece will survive the process. In the rare event that a piece is damaged or breaks during firing, we will do our best to fix it . This might not always be possible. We will explain what may have happened and offer guidance for future projects.
Yes, When booking a class, please let us know about any allergies, medical conditions, disabilities, or accessibility requirements that may affect your participation. This information helps us create a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable experience for everyone and allows us to make any necessary adjustments to support your needs.
If you are unsure whether something is relevant, please feel free to contact us at the time of bookingyour class. We are happy to discuss any requirements and answer any questions you may have.
Our regular classes and courses are for 18+ only. Children aged 14+ can attend Clay taster classes if accompanied by a parent or carer also attending the class but please check with us before booking .
Using Equipment. Only use equipment with your teachers permission. Follow instructions carefully and ask if unsure. Take particular care with wet hands / sponges, especially around wheel switches and hair dryers.
Kilns. Never touch a kiln or place anything on top of it. Kilns can dramatically increase in temperature.
Emergencies and Fire. Your teacher will guide you in an emergency. Exit the studio by the main door. If you may need assistance evacuating, please email us in advance and inform your teacher at the start of class.
Tools and Accidents. Some tools are sharp. Handle them carefully and stay aware of what’s around you. A first aid kit is available for minor cuts. If further attention is needed, your teacher will contact emergency services. If you accidentally ingest any material, or get something in your eyes rinse thoroughly with clean water and inform your teacher immediately.

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