Private Pottery Class in London – 1-to-1, Couples & Groups

A private pottery class is the studio, just for you. No strangers, no fixed format, no rushing — just two hours of clay, your tutor, and whoever you bring along.

It's the version of our pottery classes that bends to fit the moment. A first date that should be more interesting than dinner. A hen do where the bride actually wants to make something. A team away-day that doesn't involve a quiz. Or one quiet session at the wheel, just for you.

We're a small canal-side studio in NW London — 4 minutes from Alperton tube — and we host private pottery classes for groups from 1 to 12. Tutored by founder Sampada Gurung, featured on Channel 4's Great Pottery Throw Down. From £100 per person.

Who books private pottery classes

Couples & date nights. A 2-hour wheel throwing class is one of the better date ideas in London. You talk while you make, share the inevitable wobbly first attempts, and walk out with something you made together. Couples make up roughly half our private bookings. £100 per person.

Hen parties. Hen pottery is having a moment, and for good reason. It's photogenic, hands-on, the bride takes home something she'll actually keep, and there's prosecco. Studio is yours, 6 to 12 friends, aprons provided, BYO welcome. We've hosted hens that ended up being the highlight of the weekend. £100 per person, with group discounts for parties over 6.

Corporate team-building. Pottery is one of the few group activities that quiets a room. No phones, no spreadsheets — just everyone focused on their hands for two hours. Great for small teams (6–12), low-pressure, and everyone leaves with something tangible. We can tailor sessions for client entertainment, internal away-days, or year-end celebrations. From £100 per person — get in touch for a custom quote.

Birthday celebrations. Whether it's a kids' birthday (5+), a milestone for an adult, or a friend group looking for something different. Private sessions mean it's just your party, your pace, your music.

1-to-1 pottery lessons. If you want focused attention — maybe you've taken group classes and want to push your technique, or you just prefer learning solo — a private 1-to-1 gives you the full attention of your tutor for the session. £100.

Family workshops. Parents bringing kids, grandparents with grandchildren, siblings catching up. Ages 5 and up welcome. We adapt the difficulty and pace so it works for everyone in the room.

What you'll make

In a private session you'll work with stoneware clay using either the pottery wheel, hand-building techniques, or both — whichever you'd prefer. Wheel throwing is great for bowls, mugs, cups, and vases. Hand-building is better for plates, planters, tiles, and sculptural pieces.

Most people make 2–4 pieces in a session. Take home the ones you want fired and glazed for £6 per piece (ready to collect in about 4 weeks). The rest gets recycled — no waste, no guilt.

How a private session works

Before. Email us or book online with your preferred date and group size. We'll confirm availability, sort the details, and send you everything you need to know.

Arrival (10 mins). You're greeted at the studio. Coats off, aprons on, get settled. The kettle's on. The studio overlooks the Grand Union Canal — there's a moment before you start where it really sinks in that this is a Saturday afternoon well spent.

Demo (15 mins). Your tutor walks through technique — how clay behaves, how the wheel works, how to centre, how to push. Whatever your group's chosen to focus on.

Making (90 mins). This is the bulk of it. You're at your wheel or your bench, making things. Your tutor circulates, offers help, demonstrates fixes. The conversation in the room shifts as people get absorbed.

Wrap-up (15 mins). Choose which pieces you want fired and glazed. Decide on colours. Sign them. Photos for the group chat.

After (4 weeks). Your pieces are bisque-fired, glazed in your chosen colour, and fired again. We email when they're ready to collect — usually 3–4 weeks. You come back for them (and probably stay for another class).

What students say

"I joined the beginner's class at the studio and it was a lovely course! The instructor is patient, accommodating and very encouraging. The studio itself has a very calm vibe. Highly recommend to anyone looking to learn a new skill or just finding a space to practice pottery!"
— Shrishti K, ★★★★★ Google review

"Amazing 1-2-1 workshop helped with creating and gave me some tips — will for sure be going back, would highly recommend."
— That Feeling, ★★★★★ Google review

"The whole atmosphere is very relaxed, she's very helpful and kind. We enjoyed the hand sculpting and the wheel!"
— Rob Thatcher, ★★★★★ Google review

Pricing & what's included

£100 per person. Groups of 6 or more — get in touch for a group rate.

Included in every private class:

• All clay, tools, glazes, and aprons
• 2-hour session (extensions available)
• Your tutor for the full session
• The studio, just for your group
• BYO drinks welcome (prosecco-friendly)
• Optional firing & glazing from £6 per piece

How to book

Click Request a Private Class above to book via our booking platform. For groups over 4, hen parties, corporate enquiries, or unusual dates, email us at info@theslightlycurious.studio with:

• Your preferred date(s)
• Group size (we charge £100 per person)
• What you're celebrating (we like to know)
• Anything we should know in advance

We come back to you within 24 hours. If you're looking at a specific weekend, get in touch early — Saturdays book up 4–6 weeks ahead.