The 7 Spot Difference: Why Training with Active Artists Matters
When you choose a pottery school, you aren’t just renting a wheel; you are investing in a lineage of craft. At 7 Spot Pottery, we believe that to teach well, one must never stop learning.
What sets us apart from your average "sip and paint" studio? It’s the fact that we are trained teachers first and practicing ceramic artists always. Here is a look at the philosophy and the world-class expertise that fuels our Manchester studio.
1. Taught by Teachers, Inspired by Artists
There is a big difference between being a good potter and being a good teacher. We bring the pedagogical skill to break down complex movements—like the "centring" struggle—into manageable steps.
But we don't just stay in the classroom. We are active members of the UK ceramic scene, exhibiting our work and selling at artisan markets across the country. When we teach you how to pull a handle or trim a foot, we are sharing techniques we use on our own professional collections every single day.
2. A Lineage of Excellence: Our Continuous Professional Development (CPD)
The world of ceramics is vast, and we are committed to bringing the very best of British pottery back to our students. We regularly complete CPD training with some of the most respected names in the industry.
When you study with us, you are benefiting from insights we’ve gathered from masters like:
The Throwing Legends: Learning precision and scale with Kevin Millward and the historic techniques of Jon French.
Surface & Expression: Exploring the loose, painterly styles of Nigel Lambert and the bold, gestural work of Dylan Bowen.
Wood-Firing & Form: Studying the delicate balance of salt-glaze and wood-firing with Sabine Nemet, Jem Steward, and Ben Brierley.
Technical Mastery: Honing traditional slipware and functional forms with Brian Dickenson.
3. Deep-Dive Science: Glaze Chemistry
We don't believe in "mystery buckets." We have undergone intensive training with the Ceramic Materials Workshop, the gold standard in glaze chemistry education.
This means we don't just give you a recipe; we understand the molecular structure of the melt. This expertise allows us to troubleshoot kiln issues, create unique surfaces you won't find anywhere else, and ensure all our functional ware is food-safe and durable.
4. Passion You Can Feel
Pottery is more than a business for us; it’s a lifestyle. We are passionate, involved potters who are deeply embedded in the clay community. Whether we are discussing the latest kiln-firing results or debating the merits of different clay bodies, that enthusiasm is infectious.
When you join a course at 7 Spot Pottery, you aren't just a student—you’re a fellow maker entering a space where the bar is set high, and the support is even higher.