FAQs | kateradfordpottery.co.uk

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Where are you?

From the A5 follow the signs for Kensworth and Whipsnade Zoo (B4540). You will drive through the village of Kensworth – towards the end of the village and on your right is the Farmer’s Boy Pub and then about ¼ mile ahead the road forks. Take the right-hand fork here and look out for the ‘Pottery’ sign on the right-hand side, about ¼ mile along Common Road (if you reach the small industrial area, you've gone too far!). Turn into the drive and follow it bearing left into the yard. If all else fails, use Google Maps for a precise location.

What do course fees include?

All materials including clay, a selection of glazes, firing and tuition up to a height or length of 20cm. Anything over this will incur a small additional charge dependant on size.

When are classes run?

Classes are run on Tuesday mornings, then on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday mornings, afternoons and evenings,
and Saturday mornings. ‘Taster’ and half-day sessions are run on Tuesday and Saturday afternoons.

How long are the classes?

2 hours plus 15 minutes for clearing up.

What time are the classes?

From 10:00am for daytime courses, 1:30pm for afternoon courses and 7:00pm for evening courses.

What should I wear?

Dress warmly in bad weather. Bring an apron. Wear comfortable clothes (I strongly recommend trousers) that you are not too worried about if they get a little bit dusty or splashed. Wear closed-toe shoes – please, no flip-flops or sandals. I also recommend short fingernails!

What age range do you teach?

I teach children from 12 years old and currently have mature students going right up to 90.

Where can I park at the pottery?

We have ample parking available. As my studio is on one side of a barnyard, I do ask that you take care as there are often dogs and cats wandering around the farm!

Are you open in the school holidays?

Generally yes. However, I do occasionally take family holidays, and at these times the Pottery and Gallery will be closed.

When will my work be ready to take home?

The average timeframe is around six weeks – your work has to dry out, then have a first firing, then glazing followed by a second firing.

Can I arrange a group booking?

Yes, I can accommodate up to nine people on a group booking. That’s a comfortable number and means that everyone can try their hand at various techniques, including throwing on the wheel.

And children’s birthday parties?

Again, nine children for the same reasons as above – your children won’t want to miss out on anything, especially the wheel!

What happens at Children’s Parties?

It's all about having fun, yet learning about how the clay feels! Firstly, we play a ‘making’ game loosely based on ‘Pictionary’, where the children quickly make a model of whatever they see on the card they are given. Then there's a ‘throwing’ demonstration on the Potter’s Wheel – and while each child is taking a turn on the wheel, the others will be making a more sculptural piece using hollow, pre-formed ball-shaped clay spheres. It really is a lot of fun!

Kate Radford Pottery

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS