Learn more about the ins and outs of Sundragon Community Pottery by perusing our frequently asked questions.
Courses
How often do courses run?
We usually run classes in line with the school year, with Spring, Summer, and Autumn terms. There are no classes during half term or the school holidays. We release the schedule for our courses a few weeks in advance, so you’ll have plenty of time to book on!
Can I join a course after it's started?
If you’ve only missed a course starting by a week, you may still be able to participate as long as there are spaces left – in which case you’d be charged a week less. However, the first couple of weeks of our courses tend to cover a lot of the basics so it’s important to attend. We’ll often repeat courses throughout the year, especially staples like our wheelwork courses, so you won’t miss out! Please feel free to contact us for a chat if you’re unsure.
What are your course fees?
Our course fees vary based on the length of the course, but they’re generally the equivalent of £7.50 per hour. You can see exact prices and book a place via our Courses page.
How do I pay for courses?
We require payment for courses in advance. You can book a place on our Courses via our Courses page, where you can pay using your credit card via our secure checkout. If this isn’t an option for you, please contact us to discuss other means of paying.
What if I need to miss a week of the course?
Unfortunately, we are unable to offer discounted courses on our website for those who know they will not be able to attend a session, and cannot refund any money for sessions that you miss unexpectedly once the course has started. We have plenty of courses that run on different days each week, so please have a look in case there’s a day that suits you better.
What do I need to bring with me?
If possible, please bring an apron or an old shirt and a hand towel. You should wear old clothes as pottery can get messy! In winter, the studio can be chilly so wear warm clothes. All other equipment, tools, and materials are provided.
Are there any other costs?
Other than your course fee, the only thing you’ll need to pay for is the clay for any items you decide you’d like fired. The clay costs from 50p per 100g depending on the type of clay, to be paid before first firing. This covers the cost of clay, slip, glaze and two firings. Your course leader will show you how to weigh and pay for your clay.
Where do the courses take place?
Most of our courses take place at our classroom in Moseley School of Art, which is next door to The Old Printworks.
Occassionally some classes take place at our studio at The Old Print Works, 506 Moseley Road, Balsall Heath, Birmingham, B12 9AH. When you arrive at the building, go down the cobbled drive to the right of the Ort Café and ring the red doorbell for Sundragon three times. If you’re coming by public transport, the number 50 bus stops very close to The Old Print Works. If you’re driving, the best place to park is on Edwards Road, opposite the entrance to the Old Print Works.
How many items will I make on a course?
If you’re on a wheelwork course, you may make anything from 10-20 pots – this is dependent on how comfortable you feel working on the pottery wheel. You can decide how many pots you choose to fire. Your tutor will let you know how much each item will cost.
We recommend that you fire pots that you feel comfortable with keeping. If there are any pieces you are unsure of, clay can be easily recycled before it’s fired. Even advanced potters recycle pots that they’re not happy with. Don’t be afraid of making mistakes – it’s a learning process!
Membership
How much is pottery membership?
Please visit our Membership page to find out more about fees and what being a member of Sundragon Community Pottery entails.
How do I pay for membership?
If you’re interested in becoming a member, please contact us and we’ll talk to you more about the pottery and arrange a time for you to visit us. Should you want to join, payment is made by monthly standing order, which you’ll be able to set up with a member of the Sundragon team.
Are there any other costs?
Other than your membership fees, the only thing you’ll need to pay for is the clay for any items you decide you’d like fired. The clay costs from 50p per 100g depending on the type of clay, to be paid before first firing. This covers the cost of clay, slip, glaze and two firings.
How do I pay for my clay and firing?
All items must be paid for before they are fired; this payment covers two firings and any slip or glaze used. When you’re ready for your item to be bisque fired, it will need to be weighed and the cost calculated – stoneware is 50p per 100 grams, crank clay is 70p per 100g, and porcelain is £1.30 per 100g. Once you’ve paid, place a raffle ticket into your item and put it on the shelves for bisque firing. You’ll need to write the date, your name, the weight and cost, and the raffle ticket number in the weigh and pay book. Your tutor will show you where to leave your payment, or we can send you an invoice so that you can pay online.
Can I become a member if I'm relatively new to pottery?
We require all of our members to have a little experience with pottery, so if you’re completely new, one of our courses would be a better place to start. However, if you’ve previously participated in a course or used to potter in the past but are a little rusty, you’d be more than welcome to join us! We’d recommend starting with our community sessions – please check out our membership page for more info.
How do I access the pottery?
When you first join as a member, you’ll need to ring the red bell outside the Old Print Works entrance three times and someone will let you in. If no-one is in, head around the corner to the Ort Cafe and they’ll let you in that way. If you’re an experienced and responsible potter, you may be given Open Access – this means you’ll be given the code to the door and keys to the pottery so you can come and go as you please.
What do I need to bring with me?
If possible, please bring an apron or an old shirt and a hand towel. You should wear old clothes as pottery can get messy! In winter, the studio can be chilly so wear warm clothes. All other equipment, tools, and materials are provided.
Where is the pottery?
Sundragon Pottery is based at The Old Print Works, 506 Moseley Road, Balsall Heath, Birmingham, B12 9AH. When you arrive at the building, go down the cobbled drive to the right of the Ort Café and ring the red doorbell for Sundragon three times. If you’re coming by public transport, the number 50 bus stops very close to The Old Print Works. If you’re driving, the best place to park is on Edwards Road, opposite the entrance to the Old Print Works.