The Kiln Rooms – Pottery Classes and Studio Membership in London
Ten years ago, The Kiln Rooms began as a simple idea between two friends: to create a shared space for people to learn, make, and think through clay. Combining Ben Cooper’s expertise in arts management and hospitality, with Stuart Carey’s background as a professional ceramicist, the duo set out to create more than just a ceramics studio – they wanted to build a space where people mattered as much as the craft. What began as a modest studio has since evolved into a cornerstone of London’s ceramics community: a vibrant, inclusive hub grounded in craftsmanship, creativity, and community spirit.
Now, with studios in both Peckham and Farringdon, The Kiln Rooms continues to support makers of all levels – from complete beginners to professional ceramicists, offering everything from taster sessions and short courses to rolling memberships, artist talks, and masterclasses. At its core, the studio exists to bring people together. It’s a space where skills are honed, ideas are shared, and a diverse network of makers has taken root.
Guiding these makers is a carefully selected group of skilled teachers and technicians who bring their own approaches and perspectives to the craft. While their practices may vary, their teaching style is consistently open and supportive. This warmth runs through the entire team at The Kiln Rooms – from the admin staff to those on the work exchange programme – you’ll always find someone ready to share advice, a brew, or a helping hand.
That same spirit extends beyond regular studio time and into social events. This summer’s 10-year anniversary was marked by a celebratory festival of making, welcoming visitors into the studios for an inspiring weekend of makers’ showcases, enlightening talks, hands‑on demos, and meaningful connections. It was a testament to the community that’s formed around these spaces – warm, open, and quietly ambitious.
In a landscape where more ceramics studios are popping up across the capital, The Kiln Rooms continues to stand apart thanks to its thoughtful approach and dedication to supporting its makers, both new and experienced.
For those looking to dive into something new, reconnect with creativity, or offer someone else the chance to do the same, The Kiln Rooms offers a wide range of ways to get involved. One-off taster sessions and 5- and 12-week courses provide welcoming entry points into the world of ceramics, while private hire sessions offer the chance to share a fun, engaging experience with colleagues or loved ones.
Gift vouchers and credit notes, valid for at least a year, also make thoughtful presents. Providing priority booking access across all studios, they offer flexibility for the clay-curious or proud potters, keen for extra studio time.
For those further along their journey, open-access memberships provide space to develop a practice and become part of a wider network. Members benefit from spacious workspaces, high-quality equipment, flexible access, and regular opportunities to connect – including biannual studio sales where they can showcase and sell their work.
This November, the festive Members’ Sale returns to Peckham (28th–30th November), featuring work from up to 100 local makers. Visitors can browse unique handmade pieces, meet the artists, sip mulled wine, and support FiredUp4 – a social enterprise helping make clay accessible to young people across the UK.
As the year draws to a close, the event is a reminder of what makes The Kiln Rooms so special. After ten years in the making, the studio is still doing what it does best – shaping clay, and the community around it.
