Thaxted Potters was set up in March 2016 to replace the facility lost at Clarance House, Thaxted and the withdrawal of Essex County Council (ECC) adult education provision for pottery locally.

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ECC gifted equipment from the closing facility and with financial support from founding members and, having prepared a favourable cash flow forecast, we agreed to rent a unit in Stanbrook.

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We applied for funding from various sources which enabled us to buy more equipment, a second kiln, wheelchair -friendly access and to install an industrial standard floor.

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Thaxted Potters is now a member of Anglian Potters.

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To date, we have hosted demonstrations by potters Matthew Blakely, Peter Deans and Katherine Winfrey; we have also held a session for teachers at Thaxted Primary School. 

 

We have supported Late Night Christmas Shopping in Saffron Walden selling decorations and pots made by members. We have sold our work at various craft fairs in Thaxted, all profits being used to purchase materials and equipment for the group.

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Members’ work has been exhibited in the Guildhall, Thaxted and at Saffron Walden Library and, to support the setting up of our venture, a visit was made to the Hole in the Wall Community Pottery in Emsworth, Hampshire, which has been operating since 1971. It proved an opportunity to pick the brains of Clive Yeomans, its founder, and explore how a ‘not for profit’ pottery club can thrive.

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Members of Thaxted Potters pay a monthly fee which gives access to the studio and its facilities on one day each week. We do not have an instructor or technician, so members work independently and we all share in the cleaning and running of the studio space. For this reason, applicants for membership must have either completed one of our beginners’ courses or have experience of pottery making. ​