Welcome to The Clay Stables
The Clay Stables is a vibrant and welcoming studio space for Members who are 18+. Whether you’re a seasoned potter or just beginning to explore the world of ceramics, our studio offers the perfect environment for creativity and community.
A Community Space: At The Clay Stables, we believe in the power of community and collaboration. Our space is designed to foster connections between members, allowing them to share ideas, techniques, and inspiration. Artists can work together, chat, and learn from one another, creating a supportive and friendly atmosphere.
A Personal Retreat: For those who prefer solitude while working, The Clay Stables also provides the perfect retreat. Members who wish to immerse themselves fully in their craft can pop in their headphones and dive into their work without interruption. Our studio respects the individual needs of each artist, ensuring a comfortable and productive environment for all.
Flexible Workspaces: Our studio is equipped with adjustable workstations that cater to various artistic needs and preferences.
Equipment: We provide many of the necessary tools and equipment to get you started, from pottery wheels to kilns, to help you create your masterpieces.
Workshops and Classes: Members enjoy discounted workshop rates. Regularly scheduled workshops and classes are available for those looking to expand their skills and learn new techniques.
Community Events: Join us for special events, exhibitions, and social gatherings that celebrate the art of ceramics.
Become a Member
Joining The Clay Stables means becoming part of a vibrant community devoted to the art of clay with great Member benefits. Whether you’re here to collaborate or find a quiet corner to work, The Clay Stables is your creative home.
Explore the possibilities and let your imagination take flight at The Clay Stables. We look forward to welcoming you into our communit
The Clay Stables
Access to The Clay Stables is designed to provide a welcoming and structured environment for members of MAD Potters.
- From October 2025, Members are offered FREE access during Hosted Sessions – (session times are published on our website).
- Studio Hosts, who contribute by volunteering for weekly three-hour sessions in a month, enjoy the perk of having their work fired at no cost during that month (by arrangement). Find out more about being a Studio Host.
- Firing for Members – A special ‘Studio Members’ firing rate available until July 2026, where members can have their works bisque and glaze fired at $10 per kilogram, with payments handled by the Studio Host.
The studio adheres to precise firing standards, reaching temperatures of 1000°C for bisque and 1220°C for mid-fire (Cone 6). - For safety and consistency, all members must complete the MAD Potters Safety & Studio Etiquette induction.
- To maintain quality and safety, only clay purchased from MAD Potters is permitted unless approved by the Studio Host, and all materials must be clearly identified before firing
The Clay Stables has equipment to be used by Members:
Wheels:
- 5 x Venco Direct Drives
- 1 x Shimpo Whisper
- 1 x older Tetlow stand-up
- Shimpo slab roller
- Tables for handbuilding – (1 table is height adjustable)
- Venco clay extruder
Kilns:
- 1 x Rodhe KE 330
- 1 x Rodhe TE 200
Feedback about the new wheels.
"I've just adored learning to throw on the pottery wheel. I started going with my best mate Britney late last year. We both started out knowing nothing and now she's throwing amazing (tall) pieces. My creations are abit more wonky (and short) but I'm very proud! I'm also a new-ish mum having a 8 month old at home- so it's so awesome to have something creative to do alongside raising my little girl" Late last year my best friend asked me if I would like to do pottery with her, she was very keen but didnt want to do it alone. She is a new mum and it was a good way for us to catch up, have a creative outlet, have a debrief and gossip about our day and for her to have some 'me time' to herself. Throughout our days, I work my 9 to 5 and she is an amazing mum. This was something we both started together on weekends and now afternoons and had no idea what we were doing. We would sit at the wheel clueless or send each other pottery videos. Early March, I was asked to be apart of a workshop through the pottery festival, I didnt make anything spectacular, but learned how to centre and pull walls which has become very helpful to me and now I can teach my best mate too. Its been really fun learning how to throw together at the Stables!"
MAD Potters is grateful to the Regional Arts Fund for funding of the acquisition of three additional pottery wheels at our community pottery studio, The Clay Stables.
Purchasing 3 additional wheels was a strategic investment that will improve our operational efficiency, broaden our educational offerings, and elevate the overall participant experience.
Adding three extra pottery wheels to our studio was a game-changer. With six wheels in total, we are now able to welcome pairs of participants, embracing the fact that newcomers often prefer to learn alongside a friend. This enhancement has not only made our space more inviting and social but as an initial pilot it allowed us to run a workshop during our Mansfield Pottery Festival. Thanks to the additional equipment, future workshops became financially sustainable for the artists leading them, ensuring that we can continue offering enriching experiences for everyone.
