Studio handbook
Respect Other's work: Do not touch any works on shelves that do not belong to you without permission. If you need to move something to make space, ask a staff member for assistance. You are responsible for any breakage caused by not following this rule.
Recycle Clay: Please recycle clay whenever possible. Treat clay as you would food or money! If you’re unsure how to recycle, ask a staff member for guidance.
Label Your Belongings: Ensure all personal items left on shelves are clearly labeled.
Move Carefully: Always move slowly and carefully in the studio to avoid accidents.
Clean Thoroughly: All tools and equipment must be cleaned properly after use and returned to their original place. Proper cleaning is crucial for maintaining a safe and sustainable working environment.
No Eating in the Studio: Food is not allowed in the studio. Camden town is only a 5-minute walk away with many food options. Drinks in lidded containers are permitted.
Studio Clay: We provide standard and recycled studio clay; the cost is included in the firing fee. Please help us by recycling all excess clay.
Contamination: DO NOT mix other materials ( plaster, glaze, paper, etc.) into the clay. If clay becomes contaminated, please dispose of it in the bin.
Buying clay: If you wish to use different clay, feel free to purchase yourself, and to ask staff for recommended suppliers and posting address. Please ensure the firing range of your clay is compatible with our kilns (1220°C), to avoid melting.
Member Purchase: Members who prefer not to use recycled clay may purchase bags of clay directly from the studio.
Reclaim: We highly recommend recycling your own clay and you are welcome to ask our staff for help. If you are disposing your own clay in the studio recycle buckets, please ensure the firing temperature is similar to our studio clay. NO PAPERCLAY in studio recycle buckets.
Studio Glazes: We provide a variety of food-safe glazes tested to match our studio clay and firing temperatures.
External & Custom Glazes: If you wish to use your own commercial glazes or custom-mixed batches, you must ensure they are within our firing range and free of toxic oxides. If you are unsure, please consult a staff member. Test tiles are mandatory for all external glazes to monitor stability and runniness before applying them to your work.
Wipe Your bottom: We recommend wiping away glaze at the base of your work to a height of at least 2mm.
Firing Rejection: Any piece with an improperly cleaned bottom will NOT be loaded into the kiln for firing.
Area Protocol: Please do not take glazes or glazing tools out of the designated Glazing Area. Clean all tools and return them to their original positions after use.
Cleaning: After glazing, please thoroughly clean any glaze splashes on the walls, workbenches, and floors. Carefully wash your hands, arms, clothing, or any other areas that may have come into contact with glaze.
Firing Fee: Firing is charged at 55p per 100g, weighed before bisque firing. Firing fee includes studio glaze, studio clay, one bisque firing and one glaze firing.
Firing Schedule: Bisque Firing: Every Monday 5pm
Glaze Firing: Every Wednesday and Sunday 5pm
*Firing schedule may vary depending on the kiln load.
Firing Temperature: Bisque: 950°C | Glazing firing: 1220°C
Kiln Rental: If you wish to fire at a different temperature, kiln rental is available. Staff must examine your work first and reserve the right to refuse rental if the work is deemed risky or if the studio schedule if too busy. Please speak to a staff for pricing and availability.
No External Works: we do not fire works made out of the studio.
Process: Once your work is ready for firing, please place it on the designated shelf after paying the firing fee.
Safety Checks: While we aim for a fast turnaround, we prioritize the safety of all pieces. We ensure greenware is completely dry before bisque firing to prevent explosions that could damage students’ work or the kiln itself.
Wipe The Bottom: Any piece with glaze remaining on the bottom will NOT be fired.
Size & Thickness: If your work is exceptionally large or thick, it may take months to dry. We recommend a maximum thickness of 2cm.
Identification: Ensure all pieces are signed or marked clearly.
Forbidden Materials: Strictly NO glass, plaster, metal, or any non-clay organic materials are allowed in the kiln.
The Standard: Until it looks as if you were never there. Please help maintain a safe making environment for everyone.
Workbenches: Remove all items and wipe the surface thoroughly with a wet sponge after use.
Wheels: Use a sponge to transfer all slurry and water form the wheel and smash can into a bucket, wipe down every part of the wheel ( spinning head, splash pan, body, and stool ) until no clay residue or streaks remain. Pour all clay, slurry and clay water into the recycle buckets.
Tools: Wash all tools in a buckets before rinsing under running water. Pour clay water into the recycle buckets and return all tools to their place.
Floors: If any clay or water splashes onto the floor, please clean it immediately with a mop.
Silica Dust Control: Strictly NO Dry Sweeping！Use Wet cleaning methods only in the studio. Always use a wet sponge or mop to avoid dust floating in the air. Trimming bone-dry work is strictly prohibited.
Kiln Room Access: Staff Only
Emergency Procedures: There are two fire exits: the main entrance and the exit to the courtyard.
First-Aid: Please ask a member staff for the location of the first aid kit.
Apparel: To avoid accidents or injury , please tie back long hair and remove rings, watches or bracelets when making. We suggest keeping nails cut short for better control over clay.
Eating & drinking: Please do not eat inside the studio. Camden town is only a 5-minute walk away with many food options. Water in lidded containers are permitted.
Moisture Control: You are responsible for maintaining the moisture of your unfinished work. If you are unsure when you will next return, please wrap your pieces in plastic. Its always better for it to be too wet than too dry.
Shelf Life: The studio reserves the right to dispose of any items on the shelves that have either completely dried out or have been left for more than two weeks.
Liability: Pottery is a long process with many variables. The studio is not responsible for cracks, damage, or firing accidents.
Personal Belongings: Please look after your personal items. Any items found by staff will be kept in the Lost & Found box. If you have lost something, please check with a member of staff first.
Liability: Please note that the studio is not responsible for any personal items left behind or lost on the premises.
Found Items: If you find any unattended or unclaimed items, please hand them to a staff member. Thank you for your cooperation and help in keeping our studio organized.