Master the Art

of Pottery Wheel Throwing

York's Only Dedicated
Wheel-Throwing Studio.

Find your focus through the ancient craft of clay, offering courses, social experiences, and open access for independent potters.

THE CLAY SPACE PHILOSOPHY

Find Clarity in the Clay

We believe in the meditative power of the potter's wheel.

Clay Space was created as a haven—a space dedicated entirely to the mindful, focused practice of throwing, making, and finishing. This is where the noise stops, and the craft begins. We are a making studio, committed to quality, community, and the beauty of Wabi Sabi, ensuring your experience is authentic, focused, and rewarding.

WHY CHOOSE CLAY SPACE

A Studio Built for Mastery

Outline of a pear in black on a white background.

Dedicated Wheel Focus

We are purely a throwing and making studio. This single focus ensures our resources, equipment, and teaching are entirely dedicated to helping you master the wheel.

Generous Access & Storage

Our members enjoy 7-day access to our professional, light-filled studio. Plus, we promise dedicated, ample shelf space - a true potter's necessity.

Outline of a laboratory flask or beaker.

Taught by Makers

Learn from experienced ceramicists who are passionate about the craft. Our structured courses emphasise deep skill development, not just quick results.

START YOUR JOURNEY TODAY

Your Path, Defined by Clay

EXPERIENCES

Hands shaping a clay bowl on a pottery wheel with white slip, in a pottery studio.

Experience the Wheel

Low-commitment, high-fun social sessions. Perfect for date nights, birthdays, or just getting your hands dirty with friends.

Book an Experience »

COURSES

Various unglazed ceramic pots and bowls on a pottery wheel in a ceramic studio.

Learn & Develop

Structured 3, 6, and 9-week courses designed to build confidence, technique, and a strong foundation in wheel throwing and finishing.

Find Your Course »

MEMBERSHIP

Three pieces of blue ceramic pottery on a wooden shelf: a large bowl, a small vase, and a mug, all with intricate floral designs or textures.

Practice & Perfect

Flexible, 7-day open access for independent potters. Join our supportive community and secure your generous storage space.

Become a Member »

Where the Noise Stops

and the Craft Begins

York's dedicated sanctuary for wheel throwing

GATHER AND CREATE

Looking for an alternative event experience?

Four round stools with white legs turned upside down are stacked on top of small wooden stools on a table in a woodworking workshop. Shelves with wooden pieces and tools are mounted on the wall, with some books and containers visible.

Young man shaping clay on a pottery wheel in a studio, with pottery tools and containers nearby.

Hire our dedicated studio for a fully tutored, creative session.

It’s the perfect, calm sanctuary to connect with your group and craft a shared memory. We offer exclusive access for groups up to 10 wheels.

Great for:

For Individuals: Hen Parties, Special Birthdays, Anniversaries, or unique Family Meet-ups.

For Companies: Corporate Team Building, Unique Staff Nights Out, and Creative Client Workshops.

Plan Your Private Event

NEXT UP AT CLAY SPACE

Find Your Perfect Session

Choose your path: build real skills with our structured 3-week or 9-week courses, or experience the wheel through our relaxed social sessions—perfect for date nights, celebrations, or simply trying something new. Browse all upcoming dates below.

Learn More About Experiences

Learn More About Courses

See All Classes

THE CLAY SPACE STORY

Where the Noise Stops and the Craft Begins.

Clay Space York was born from a simple observation: when the first pottery wheel arrived at our sister studio years ago, the atmosphere changed. There was a new rhythm—meditative, focused, transformative. Today, our purpose-designed foundry studio in Melrose Yard stands as York's only space dedicated entirely to wheel throwing and the complete making process.

Founded by Angela Collinson, an art educator with sixteen years' experience, Clay Space welcomes absolute beginners and established potters alike. With ten professional wheels, 7-day member access, and ample dedicated storage, we provide everything you need to find your rhythm at the wheel. This is your sanctuary for making—a place to learn, create, and discover the clarity that comes from working with clay.

Learn More

WHAY OUR COMMUNITY SAYS

Finding Focus, Making Friends.

"We did a wheel experience night and had two lovely instructors who helped us when we inevitably messed up (lots) but came away with knowledge and hopefully two pots each once they've been through the kiln!"

— Myagh Gallagher
"I did one of the 9 week wheel courses. It was absolutely fantastic, the staff were lovely (particularly thank you to Caroline) and really helpful. The studio is a lovely environment. I surprised myself with how many pots I managed to make; despite being a complete beginner I was able to come away with some nice things!"

— Poppy Jopson
"Attended for a 2 hour wheel experience as a surprise for my Mum on Mother's Day. My Mum is obsessed with the pottery throw down and has been saying for ages how she'd love to have a go and using a potter's wheel herself. I could not have been more pleased with the experience from start to finish."

— Megan York
"We thoroughly enjoyed our pottery experience under the loving guidance of Angela and Caroline. As a social for MPRS, we couldn't have asked for more."

— Michael Phan
"My mum and I had a brilliant pottery wheel experience with Caroline today! We felt very welcome and it was a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. Caroline was knowledgeable and patient! During the two hour experience we threw three pots each and painted them. Can't wait to see them once they're fired! It was a unique experience and well worth the money."

— TripAdvisor Reviewer
"Best Place Ever! I go every Thursday for their throwing and hand building course which is the highlight of my week! Angela and Caroline are such inspiring teachers and the studio is very well equipped with tools and different clays (including porcelain!!!) Thank you so much 🏺😺"

— Maria Marshall
"Had an amazing time doing the pottery wheel experience with 4 of my friends for my hen do. We had so much fun and each made a couple of pots. Really pleased with how mine turned out! Will definitely be back soon!"

— Elinor Bowers
"My girlfriend and I just finished the 9 week course with Angela and Caroline and we couldn't thank them enough. We were complete beginners and from the moment we arrived they made us feel at ease. The demonstrations were really useful and they were always on hand to help when we got stuck. We've both been bitten by the pottery bug and can't wait to continue with our new found hobby. Thank you both so much!"

— Jake Varley
"What a hoot!! My sister organised for my hen an afternoon session of pot making, by hand and on the wheels. Caroline & Angela were excellent teachers, nothing was too much trouble. Great fun and really informative."

— Catherine Ford
"Just finished a 2 hour pottery wheel experience with Caroline. Myself & my husband have thoroughly enjoyed it. Caroline was so knowledgeable, she did a demo first then let us have a go guiding us if we needed or tweaking what we had done to improve our pots. There is an option to paint the pot or like we did get them dipped in one colour. We have both enjoyed it so much will definitely be back again!"

— TripAdvisor Reviewer
"Absolutely amazing experience! We completed the 3 evening sessions for the 'Pottery Wheel Taster Course' and considering this was our first time doing anything like this, we left with some gorgeous pots! Angela was fantastic – she's a brilliant teacher. We highly recommend Bish Bash Pot! We had a wonderful time."

— Charlotte Lee
"Brilliant experience on the pottery wheel. Lovely place. Highly recommend."

— Rebecca Wahl
"My 9 week pottery course was great. It is incredibly satisfying to make something with your hands and see it take shape."

— Emma Raat
"We went this afternoon and had a fantastic time. Caroline was brilliant, incredibly patient and great with my mum who has MS and needed some help. In the 2 hours we threw 2 pots each and also got to paint one. Can't wait to see how they turn out when we pick them up in around 6 weeks time! I definitely think I'll be going again... I may have caught the bug!"

— TripAdvisor Reviewer
"Lovely for pottery painting and for learning to throw your own pots. Very friendly staff and were made to feel very welcome. Great cup of coffee too."

— Alan Backhouse
"Me and my mum visited for a 2 hour wheel experience with Caroline. It was a great afternoon so fun and we loved every second! Such a unique experience and being able to make and paint your own pottery is such a lovely activity. Caroline was great, very helpful and supportive, we will definitely be coming back!"

— TripAdvisor Reviewer
"Owner is approachable and easy going. Very easy to get on with! I've enjoyed the evening classes here and intend to do more in the future. Great place, and good value for money compared to other pottery classes I have researched."

— hmc
"Had a fantastic time throwing pots on Sunday. Caroline was so helpful and made the whole experience truly enjoyable."

— Christine Hoyland
"What a delightful way to start my York trip! I booked the 11am Sunday Wheel Workshop, Caroline was a fantastic teacher, an incredibly charismatic person that made this such a wonderful experience. Even with my nails (not ideal) she was able to guide me through creating something I was proud of."

— Sandra Reeves
"Thoroughly enjoyed our whole experience at Bish Bash Pot. Even got a warm feeling when I rang up to check my booking. The staff are so nice. We arrived at 6pm and left about 8.30. Was such a lovely experience. First up was the pottery wheel and throwing a pot then making a coiled pot. We also got to paint them both too. Can't wait to collect ..... Takes 3-4 weeks as they have to be fired twice."

— TripAdvisor Reviewer
"Great place. I learnt how to throw clay on a wheel here."

— Isobel
"Been to Bish Bash Pot a few times for pottery painting and the wheel throwing course! Such a cozy, and friendly atmosphere! There's parking nearby but the shop is easily findable from city centre. Staff are super friendly and helpful if you need anything. Would highly recommend to anyone!"

— Danielle Cooper
"Fabulous place to paint pottery and learn how to throw on the wheel. Angela and the team are very professional and welcoming and I have been going now for a while for pottery lessons and even taking my girlfriends on a lovely organised pottery throwing party. Highly recommended very organised & professional."

— Amanda Mountain (Lola)
"Me and my partner were bought an evening here for Christmas and we weren't disappointed! The two women were so accommodating, friendly and helpful. Neither of us had thrown pots before but the women told us we were great first timers. They help us enough to show us the ropes without taking over our creations. We made the most of it and brought a bottle of wine and continued painting our pots for over an hour. All in all it was a relaxing evening and perfect for a little date night. Thanks so much for looking after us, your shop is amazing!"

— TripAdvisor Reviewer
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Your Sanctuary for Making

A dedicated space where creativity flourishes and community thrives

VISIT US

Your Studio in York

Clay Space is conveniently located just minutes from York city centre, offering a quiet, dedicated space for making. We share a building with Bish Bash Pot, ensuring a familiar, easy-to-find location, but operate as a separate, wheel-focused studio.

Opening Hours:

Monday - Sunday: 10:00 – 17:00

More Details

READY TO BEGIN?

Start Your Clay Journey Today

Whether you're seeking a creative evening out, ready to learn a new craft, or looking for regular studio access, there's a place for you at Clay Space.