Create & Connect: Take a Hexham Pottery Class at Langley Tracks
Expert-led pottery courses for all levels in a relaxed and welcoming setting.
Hexham Pottery Classes
Welcome to Our Pottery Studio
Step into the Langley Tracks pottery studio, in the old waiting room of the former Langley railway station. With plenty of natural light and a relaxed atmosphere, it’s a welcoming space to slow down, get creative and enjoy working with clay.
Led by Eleanor, experienced potter and owner of Langley Tracks, our sessions invite you to step away from the distractions of daily life and immerse yourself in the process of making. As you work with the clay, you’ll find yourself settling into a rhythm, focusing on the moment and enjoying the simple pleasure of creating something by hand.
This is time for yourself to learn, experiment and discover what you can create. Whether you’re a complete beginner or have some pottery experience, our sessions offer a relaxed and rewarding opportunity to get creative, slow down and enjoy working with clay in the peaceful surroundings of the Northumberland countryside.
What to Expect in Our Hexham Pottery Classes
A few things to know before your session
Clothing: We’ll be getting messy, so please wear clothes you don’t mind getting clay on. We work with a terracotta clay body that is rich in red iron and can potentially stain light-coloured clothing.
Long nails: If you have long nails, it’s worth trimming them back if possible. You can absolutely still enjoy pottery with long nails, but it can make throwing on the wheel a little more challenging!
Long hair: Please bring a hair bobble to tie your hair back while working at the wheel.
What’s provided: I’ll provide aprons to help protect your clothes, along with cups of tea to keep you refreshed while you create!
Northumberland Pottery Classes
Pottery Classes & Courses for Everyone
Choose the session that best suits you or your group. Classes are available for groups of up to 6 people.
Our pottery classes are suitable for ages 9 and over, as wheel throwing requires some upper body strength and coordination. If you’re interested in a session for a younger child, please get in touch to discuss the options.
Our pottery courses are ideal for couples, friends and families looking to learn wheel throwing with hands-on guidance and individual instruction.
- 2 Hour on the Wheel:
Join us for a hands-on session focused on throwing bowls. You’ll learn the key techniques of wheel throwing, including centering the clay, pulling up the walls, and shaping and finishing your pots.
2 of your favorite pieces will be fired and glazed, ready for you to collect at a later date. (Additional pieces you would like to keep +£3)
- Day on the wheel, 4 hours, throwing + Lunch : A perfect introduction (or refresher) to the art of pottery throwing. This 4-hour immersive experience is designed for beginners and enthusiasts alike who want dedicated time to practice on the potter’s wheel in a relaxed and supportive environment.
We will cover centering and shaping the clay, creating cylinders, bowls, vases and other forms. Taking a break halfway through to enjoy a wholesome vegetarian lunch. Tea, coffee, and refreshments are available throughout the session.
3 of your favorite pieces will be fired and glazed, ready for you to collect at a later date. (Additional pieces you would like to keep +£3)
- 2 Day throwing & finishing workshop, 6 hours over 2 days: Spend 1 session throwing on the wheel & 1 session trimming and adding handles to pots.
Day 1: Throwing on the Wheel
Learn how to prepare your clay, center it, and throw forms such as cylinders and bowls. You’ll be guided through key techniques and given time to practice and improve.
Day 2: Trimming & adding Handles
Learn how to refine your pots using trimming techniques, removing excess clay to create beautifully finished forms and adding footrings for a professional touch. You’ll also discover how to pull and attach your own handles, transforming your pots into mugs and other functional pieces.
Each session builds on the last, so by the end of the course you’ll have a set of thoughtfully crafted pieces, made entirely by you!
4 of your favourite pieces will be fired and glazed, ready for you to collect at a later date. (Additional pieces you would like to keep +£3)
- 2 Day Throwing & Decorating workshop, 6 hours over 2 days: Spend 1 session throwing on the wheel with Eleanor & 1 session decorating pieces with Louise Hick!
Day 1: Throwing on the Wheel
Learn how to prepare and center your clay, and throw forms such as cylinders and bowls. You’ll be guided through key techniques and given time to practice and improve.
Day 2: Slip decorating
Return to your pots and bring them to life with colour, pattern and creativity! Your pieces will have been trimmed and prepared for you, with handles added to transform your chosen forms into mugs, ready for you to decorate using colourful clay slips.
Led by local artist and ceramicist Louise Hick, you’ll explore different decorative techniques and experiment with colours, patterns and illustrative designs. This playful session is your chance to add a personal touch to your pottery and make each piece truly your own!
4 of your favorite pieces will be fired and glazed, ready for you to collect at a later date. (Additional pieces you would like to keep +£3)
Book Your Pottery Class
Pottery is for everyone, regardless of if you have previous experience. We offer a range of sessions designed to suit different interests and schedules.
We offer 4 main classes : 2 Hours on the wheel, 4 hours on the wheel + lunch, a 2 Day throwing and finishing workshop, and a 2 day throwing & decorating workshop. Our classes are small giving you lots of direct time with the tutors Eleanor, Nick and Louise. Select which best suits you from the options below:
2 Hour on the Wheel Taster
Day on the wheel + lunch
Throwing & Finishing
Throwing & Decorating with Louise Hick
The Process
Once the pots are bone dry they go through their first firing called the bisque. At this stage the clay is no longer able to be reclaimed, it is now porous and ready to be glazed.
Out of the kiln the pots are glazed and they go through a second firing, melting the glaze and vitrifying the body.
The finished glazed & fired pots are food safe, able to go in a microwave & dishwasher.
Typically the process takes 2-4 weeks from the date of your class to when they’re ready to collect.
If you are unable to make the collection shipping can be arranged.
Inspired to explore the world of pottery?
Take a look at our current class schedule and find a session that suits you. We also offer private sessions for groups of friends or family, so if you have a particular date in mind, please get in touch.
Whether you’re a complete beginner or have some pottery experience, our sessions are open to all levels. If you have any questions about our courses, suitability or booking, we’d love to hear from you!