Started in November of last year, Pottery Society is the newest big thing! Pottery is notoriously an expensive and often inaccessible hobby, but one that so many of us would love to take up. Luckily this society aims to tackle inaccessibility and make a space for as many people as possible to learn pottery, charging just £8 per semester. This week I had the chance to get in touch with the society to find out more.
President Lucy Izabella described the first trial sessions the society carried out, which sold out incredibly fast demonstrating a huge interest from students. Lucy described how the session went saying, “Everyone made tiles, and it was so much fun. I loved to see how people engaged with something so new and unfamiliar to them.” Following on from this success, the society now has weekly sessions (Thursdays from 5-7pm) where attendees get to complete a project from start to finish each time.
These sessions are completely covered in the £8 semesterly fee, including everything you could need from clay to tools to glazes and access to firing facilities. Techniques are explained and each week has an optional theme to give you guidance and inspiration for creation. Some examples of what the society has made so far are: bookmarks, bowls, candle holders, and slab mugs. There’s no commitment and you can sign up to do as many or as few sessions as you like, registering for a spot each week, so there’s no pressure!
Lucy explained her motivation to set up the society: “I was really disappointed when I came to Edinburgh University and realised that there wasn’t a pottery society. Being an art student myself, and ceramics and pottery being my main form of art, I really wanted to create a place where people who wanted to experiment and try something new could do that.” It’s lovely to hear that in the absence of an already established artistic space, this society has made a welcoming and fun place for beginners and experienced potters alike.
If you’re looking for a new hobby or an affordable way to practise pottery, look no further. Follow Pottery Society on instagram @edipotterysociety and keep an eye out for announcements about their next sessions. Definitely a fun way to try something new this spring!
Photo provided by Pottery Society for The Student