YORK GHOST WEEK · 24 OCTOBER – 1 NOVEMBER 2026
The Tavern Mug
Making Workshop
For one week only, Clay Space York opens its studio for something different from wheel-throwing — a hands-on session hand-building your own drinking vessel, finished with the York Ghost Merchants' torch and fired within York's Medieval City Walls.
£65pp, fully inclusive · 90 minutes · 1pm & 7pm
A ONE-OFF, ALONGSIDE THE EVERYDAY
Something to make,
not just something to find
Ghost Week fills York with things to discover — a city-wide hunt for miniature ghosts, tucked into doorways and window ledges across the Shambles. Clay Space York joins this year as a Partner Event, offering the one thing the hunt doesn't: something you shape with your own hands and take home.
No wheel experience is needed — this is a hand-building session, coiled and shaped rather than thrown, open to complete beginners and regulars of the studio alike.
£65pp
Fully inclusive of postage & packaging
20 seats
Per session
90 mins
Start to finish
1pm & 7pm
aily sessions
24 Oct–1 Nov
No session 27 October
BOOKING
Choose Your Session
WHAT YOU’LL MAKE
A Vessel with Some History
Your mug takes its shape from 1600s tavern drinking vessels — sturdy, coil-built, made for handling and for use. Working alongside Clay Space's makers, you'll build up the walls by hand, add your own handle and finishing touches, then choose your glaze.
Every piece is finished with a small sprig, hand-stamped with the York Ghost Merchants' torch, and fired within York's Medieval City Walls — safe for your morning coffee or evening ale for years to come.
Deep Brown
Winter Green
Royal Blue
ABOUT YORK GHOST WEEK
A Tradition Seven
Years in the Making
York Ghost Merchants trade from a Georgian building on the Shambles dating to 1780, in one of the most haunted cities in Europe. Founders David Bloodworthy and Angus McArthur describe their work as reviving a centuries-old tradition of ghost-making — small figures, each with a character and story of its own.
Ghost Week, now in its seventh year, centres on a free seek-and-keep hunt for miniature ghosts hidden around the Minster. Clay Space York joins this year's Partner Events programme as somewhere to make, not just to find.
From York Ghost Merchants' own archive — the Shambles shop as it's been sketched and told for years.
WHILE YOU’RE HERE
Limited Edition,
While They Last
Alongside the workshop, a small run of hand-thrown goblets and tankards will be on sale in the studio through Ghost Week, each finished with the same torch sprig — plus Clay Space's own ceramic ghosts. Both are limited edition and available in-studio only until they're gone.
Ceramic ghosts
£16
In-studio only.
Goblets & tankards
£36
In-studio only.
GOOD TO KNOW
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need experience?
No — this is a hand-building session, not wheel-throwing, so it's suited to complete beginners as well as regulars of the studio.
What does the £65 include?
Your 90-minute session, all materials and glazing, and postage & packaging to send your finished, fired piece home to you.
When will I get my finished mug?
Your piece needs to be fired after your session, so it won't leave with you on the day — turnaround time, then it's posted straight to you.
Is my booking my ticket for Ghost Week?
Your workshop booking is what secures your place — no separate Ghost Week ticket should be needed.
Where do I park, and how do I find you?
Clay Space York is in Melrose Yard, Walmgate — just behind Bish Bash Pot. Full directions are on our contact page.
Street parking around Melrose Yard plus nearby car parks. 10-minute walk from city centre.
What if I need to change or cancel my session?
Get in touch as early as you can and we'll do what we can to help.
BEYOND GHOST WEEK
Where to Go Next
BEYOND GHOST WEEK
Find Your Course
From 3-week tasters to full intensives — build on what you started this week with proper wheel-throwing tuition.
PRACTICE & PERFECT
Become a Member
Six-day studio access, your own shelf space, and ten professional wheels whenever you're ready for regular practice.
LOOKING FOR PAINTING
Visit Bish Bash Pot
Our sister studio next door — pottery painting for a fun, social afternoon rather than hands-on making.