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Our Story

Clay Design

Passionate about clay and pottery

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.

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.

Thaxted Potters is now a member of Anglian Potters.

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.

Members’ work has been exhibited in the Guildhall, Thaxted and at Saffron Walden Library in 2017 and to support 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.

Members of Thaxted Potters pay a monthly fee which gives access to the studio and its facilities on one day each week. Applicants for membership must have either completed one of our beginners’ courses or have some experience of pottery making.

The studio is open to members throughout the week.

Helping Hands

Welcome to Thaxted Potters

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Our Committee

Committed to clay...

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Barbara Caley

Chair

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Vanessa Pedder

Treasurer

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Angela Reed 

Deputy Chair

Fiona Cox
Secretary

Fay Stalley - Health and Safety Officer

Carol Elson - Membership Secretary

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About

At Thaxted Potters our aim is:

  • to provide facilities for adults to learn and practise important craft skills

  • to encourage and welcome new members

  • to provide a social amenity for the local community

  • to support local craftspeople by hosting demonstrations, classes and workshops

Pottery Wheel

Activities

Thaxted Potters provides a friendly and comfortable environment in which members can be inspired to create beautiful and functional pottery.

Pottery

Starting Pottery

We have potters of all levels and abilities within our group. We learn constantly by practising our skills and trying new ones. We learn from each other in a very supportive environment. We also run taster sessions and beginners' courses at various times during the year.

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Expert Demonstrations

We host occasional demonstrations and workshops presented by professional potters from East Anglia. All members are welcome to attend at a small additional cost. These sessions are also open to members of the public. (These are often held on a Saturday.)

Pottery Workshop
"Being creative is not a hobby. It is a way of life."
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Get involved

If you are over 18, have some experience of pottery

and you would like to get back into it, why not get in touch.

Come and visit our studio and see the great facilities that you could share.

Painting Pottery

Meet like-minded people

Ceramic Bowls and Plates

Learn to make pottery

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Our Picture Gallery

Matthew Blakely

Peter Deans

Examples of our work

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Taster Day Photos

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Home: Contact

How to contact us and our location

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Contact details

For membership and course enquiries please contact Carol through: 

thaxtedpotters@gmail.com

For other enquiries, please contact our Secretary through:

thaxtedpotters2@gmail.com

Our address is:

Hammer Hill Studios Stanbrook, Thaxted, Dunmow, Essex CM6 2NH

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