Crafted by Passion,
Defined by Patience.
Discover the story of York's dedicated wheel-throwing sanctuary and meet Angela Collinson, the educator and maker who brought it to life.
THE EVOLUTION OF CLAY SPACE YORK
When the Hum of the Wheel Changed Everything.
What began as occasional pottery wheel nights in a small painting studio revealed something unexpected—a quiet revolution was happening. As the first wheel arrived, the atmosphere shifted. There was a new rhythm, a meditative focus that resonated deeply with everyone who tried it.
By year two, demand had grown so strong that three wheels weren't enough. The back room of Bish Bash Pot soon housed six wheels, but it was clear: wheel throwing needed its own dedicated home. The craft required space, focus, and a sanctuary built specifically for makers.
From those six wheels tucked away, we have evolved into our current home—a purpose-designed studio with ten professional wheels, nestled in the beautiful, historic foundry of Melrose Yard. This is where Clay Space York was born: York's first and only studio dedicated entirely to wheel throwing and the complete ceramic making process.
THE VISION BEHIND CLAY SPACE
From Head of Art to Head Potter.
After sixteen years as Head of Art in secondary education, I followed a lifelong dream: to create a space where creativity isn't just taught, but truly flourishes. My background in education, combined with being a mother of two, taught me that accessible, patient guidance is transformative—whether you're learning to center clay for the first time or perfecting your trimming technique.
Throughout my teaching career, I witnessed the profound therapeutic power of working with your hands. I'm a strong believer in art therapy and making creative practices accessible to everyone—which is why Clay Space York welcomes absolute beginners and experienced makers alike.
"Clay Space York is a hub for creativity and connection—a place to make, learn, and sometimes simply sit in quiet, contemplative reflection."
— Angela Collinson, Founder
OUR ETHOS
A Sanctuary for Making.
Clay Space York is built on three pillars: passion, patience, and play. This isn't a pottery painting studio—it's a making studio, focused entirely on the complete ceramic process: wheel throwing, hand-building, trimming, attachments, and finishing.
Whether you're here for an energetic Wheel Night with friends or embarking on a focused 9-week course, the experience is rooted in the same belief: that working with clay offers clarity, calm, and connection. Every session is designed to help you find your rhythm at the wheel and develop real, lasting skills.
We provide high-quality instruction, professional equipment, and generous dedicated storage—because every potter, at every stage, deserves space to grow.
EXPERT GUIDANCE, PATIENT INSTRUCTION
The Makers Behind Your Experience.
Caroline Turner | Clay Space Manager
Caroline began her pottery journey here at Clay Space York six years ago, and her passion for the craft has only grown stronger. As our Studio Manager, Caroline brings infectious enthusiasm and a people-focused approach to everything she does—from managing our busy studio to supporting students at every skill level.
An avid handbuilder with expertise in Raku firing, glaze technology, and kiln management, Caroline has developed a teaching style that is both supportive and creative. Students consistently describe her as "brilliant," "knowledgeable," and "incredibly patient"—with a particular gift for adapting instruction to each person's needs, ensuring everyone feels confident and capable at the wheel.
Laura Bigot | Production Potter & Instructor
Laura is a dedicated production potter with an exceptional eye for detail and a deep commitment to excellent teaching. Her skills span both wheel throwing and handbuilding, reflecting her genuine love for every aspect of the ceramic process.
Like Sophie, Laura started her pottery career here at Clay Space York four years ago, and we've been privileged to watch her grow as an artist and instructor. Her passion for quality and her nurturing teaching approach ensure that every student receives the focused guidance they need to develop their skills with confidence.
Sophie Blake | Wheel Throwing Instructor
Sophie is an established potter with a particular talent for wheel work and a signature style that students love to learn. Known for her intricate Celtic Knot designs, which she meticulously hand-etches onto each piece, Sophie brings both technical skill and artistic flair to her teaching.
What makes Sophie's story special is that she began her own pottery journey right here at Clay Space York as a 9-week student. Over the years, we've watched her skill and confidence blossom—and now she shares that same transformative experience with new students, guiding them through their own creative evolution.
Angela Collinson | Founder & Principal Instructor
With more than sixteen years as Head of Art in secondary education, Angela brings both rigor and warmth to Clay Space York. Her teaching philosophy centers on accessibility, therapeutic making, and creating an inclusive environment where creativity can flourish.
As a mother, educator, and lifelong maker, Angela understands that everyone's pottery journey is unique—and every student deserves dedicated attention and space to develop their craft.
YOUR DEDICATED MAKING SPACE
Designed for Wheel Throwing.
Our studio in Melrose Yard is housed in a converted foundry—a space where history meets purpose. Designed specifically for wheel throwing, every detail has been considered to create an environment where makers can truly focus on their craft. This is York's only studio dedicated entirely to wheel throwing and ceramic creation.
Professional Equipment
10 well-maintained pottery wheels and complete studio tools
Complete Facilities
Everything from throwing to trimming to glazing under one roof
Ample Storage
Generous dedicated shelf space—a rarity among pottery studios
7-Day Access
Members practice independently Tuesday–Sunday, 10am–5pm
Natural Light
Historic foundry windows flooding the workspace throughout the day
Historic Character
A converted foundry space with soul and purpose
WHAT OUR STUDENTS SAY
The Clay Space Experience.
Finding Their Passion
"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. We've both been bitten by the pottery bug and can't wait to continue with our new found hobby."
— Jake Varley, 9 Week Course Graduate
"I definitely think I'll be going again... I may have caught the bug!"
— Wheel Experience Student
The Instruction:
"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!"
— Wheel Experience Student
"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, 9 Week Course Graduate
The Studio Environment:
"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, Regular Student
"It was a unique experience and well worth the money."
— Wheel Afternoon Student
Your Studio in York.
Clay Space is conveniently located in the heart of York, just minutes from the city center, offering a quiet, dedicated space for focused making.
Address:
The Clay Space
Melrose Yard, Walmgate
York, YO1 9XF
Studio Hours: Open 7 days a week, 10am–5pm (Member access: Tuesday–Sunday)
Getting Here: Street parking available. Just a 10-minute walk from York city center. Located behind our sister studio, Bish Bash Pot.
Press & Recognition
IndiYork | Featured pottery and wheel-throwing studio | Visit Feature
Creative Tourist | Recommended York creative destination | Visit Feature
York Press | "New pottery workshop opens in York" (2017) | Original Opening Feature
Little Vikings - York for Kids | Featured family-friendly creative venue | Visit Feature
TripAdvisor | Consistently highly rated for wheel-throwing instruction and welcoming atmosphere | Read Reviews
Kiln Crafts - Pottery Studios Guide | Featured as one of York's essential pottery destinations | Visit Feature
