A modern pottery studio has just been built in the grounds of Bell House, an impressive Georgian mansion in Dulwich Village, now home to an educational charity.
Burgess Architects, a London based practice, who specialise in sensitive restoration of historic buildings and who have helped on several projects which bring Bell House back to its former glory, were commissioned to design the pottery studio, with sustainability and energy efficiency in mind. Key features include solar panels, a ground source heat pump, and the use of natural materials such as Douglas fir, with its low carbon footprint.
After months of construction and a hectic summer decorating and equipping, the studio is now an oasis of calm, ready for the first classes starting this September. The big picture window at the back of the studio looks out on the beautiful Bell House garden.
A soft light illuminates the space. The pottery classes will not only provide hours of creative endeavour but will also be a haven of serenity and peace.
The pottery studio has been a core part of the Bell House mission to provide creative learning to the widest community. Working with clay can be a satisfying creative pursuit with tangible results. In a kind and supportive environment, pottery classes can also support people struggling with mental health.
A variety of courses, workshops and master classes are being offered to potters of all levels of experience. Absolute beginners can learn the basics of throwing on a wheel or hand building. More seasoned potters will have the opportunity to further their practice in a new beautiful space.
There are two ways people can get involved.
- Book a course. Classes begin from 16th September. Booking is via Eventbrite. The first half term is almost fully booked but there are plenty of spaces for October half term onwards. Bell House offers bursary places so people of all means can benefit from the experience. Other outreach in the pipeline includes classes for those on “arts on prescription” schemes.
- Support our Crowdfunder campaign. Bell House financed the design and build of the new studio but needs to raise funds to cover the cost of essential equipment including the new kiln, eight potters’ wheels, an array of hand tools and a pug mill, which recycles used clay. A Crowdfunder campaign is running until the end of September.