Winter Grottos

Frequently Asked Questions

• How kid-friendly are your pottery workshops?

  Having a background as a primary school teacher means I am very comfortable teaching young people the basics of pottery. Although we do use some pottery tools which can be sharp, each session begins with a Health and Safety briefing about using equipment in the correct way. Similarly, young people need to understand that some materials used in pottery can cause harm, but access to any such materials (specifically glazes etc) is restricted. 

  Some of the workshops we deliver are specifically tailored to younger potters or families, but you know your child best and I'm reluctant to give strict guidance about what age groups can do what activities. If they are able to follow simple instructions, have reasonable motor skills, and some patience, they should be fine. 

• Is the pottery a dafe environment?

  A pottery studio can be an inspiring but potentially dangerous workspace. Tools and materials need to be used with care and an awareness of the people around you. All instructions and guidance must be followed, and everyone has the right to be treated with courtesy, respect and patience during their time at the Studio. If you are bringing little ones with you, please make sure they understand the dangers and their responsibilities. Food and drink (beyond your own bottle of water) cannot be consumed in the studio at any time. 

  Anyone found to be repeatedly behaving in a way that impairs the enjoyment of any other participant, or acts in a manner that puts anyone at risk, will be asked to leave. [If in the unfortunate event that such conduct means that a workshop cannot proceed, all other participants will be offered a chance to re-book or given a full refund.]

  Covid-19 - we will operate in a manner that follows current guidance on social distancing etc.

  Ravn Clay has £5,000,000 Public and Products Liability Insurance. Keith Webster of Ravn Clay also holds a current Basic DBS Check for England & Wales.

• What does a typical workshop look and feel like?

  Workshops will begin promptly at the advertised times. You can arrive a little early to sort yourself out.

  Workshops offer you a chance to make whatever you like (unless you have booked for a specific making session like Monsters, Trees, Pumpkins or Sheep). This is a hand-building session, so we can look at thumb pots, coiling and slab building. 

  It would be helpful if you can have an idea of the sorts of things you might want to try before you arrive; look on-line for inspiration, bring some print-outs, or make sketches or notes of ideas. Being presented with a lump of clay can often be like being given a blank sheet of paper - so it's good to have an idea of what sort of things you might like to try. Realistically you should be able to make between one and three objects in the time we have - bearing in mind that one item of grace and finesse might be more satisfying than three rushed objects. If you struggle to come up with inspiration, don’t despair - the clay will lead the way. 

  After the workshop you will then leave your creations at the studio where they will be slowly dried, before being biscuit- and then glaze-fired. As such, you’ll need to make sure I know how you’d like the piece finishing. And of course, there are many stages in the process from mud to mug, and things can and will go wrong. I will do my best during your time in the studio and afterwards to make sure your creation(s) survive the 1223 degree centigrade heat - but even I have things that don’t make it out in one piece!

  You will be contacted when your work is ready to collect. If you need the work posting out to you, I will need to charge an additional £6 to cover packaging and second-class postage, so please make sure I have full postal details. 

• Is there a toilet on site?

  There is a single toilet on site accessible via the back stairs or kiln room. 

• Is it true you have a pottery dog?

  I do have a dog that is with me at the pottery pretty much full time. She is a young patterdale terrier, and as she is still a puppy, she can be a little over-enthusiastic and friendly. If you have an aversion to dog, or any issue regarding this, please contact me at keef@ravnclay.co.uk before attending the workshop. 

• Can we drink and eat at the studio?

  Eating and drinking in a working pottery is not recommended, but water bottles are usually fine. You are welcome to bring along picnics, brunches, flasks etc. and picnic in the grounds of the pottery. Ford does have a rather sweet Tea Room called at the Post Office that offers you a chance to stretch your legs, powder one’s nose and sample some delicious coffee and cake.