Classes have been running in Frome since the 1940s, so the Frome Community Pottery is the latest incarnation of a strong tradition.   There are currently 11 classes a week and four different tutors, so hopefully there is something for everyone.    

Frome Community Pottery is housed in the Art Department at Frome College.   The Pottery is at the top (north) of the campus.   The entrance is on Bath Road just below the junction of Gypsy Lane and Cuckoo Lane.   There is parking just outside the pottery.   Please DO NOT park in the Merlin Theatre/Leisure Centre car park as there is no way through to the pottery.

Autumn 25 Pottery Classes

Autumn Term 15.09.2025 – 12.12.2025 (no class w/c 27.10.2025)

Students on the Pottery courses have their place for 3 terms (if they want it).   A few spaces become available in January and April and names are put forward from our waiting list.   In July, all places are available for classes starting in September and people on the waiting list are informed of the enrolment date.   Join our waiting list to receive this information.

Click on this link and add your name to the classes that you could attend.

With new kilns (gas and electric), 7 wheels and plenty of tables for modelling and hand-building, the Pottery is impressively equipped.   Tutors Andrew Eddleston, Craig Eyles, Hiro Takahashi and Russell Coates bring an incredibly wide range of skills and, with each class open to all abilities, students can follow individual projects or tutor led assignments.

Pottery is a mucky craft, so wear clothing that you don't mind getting dusty!  Bring an apron if you have one.   Also, bring a flask with your choice of refreshment.   All tools and materials are provided.   A charge is made for finished articles. Your place is for the academic year (if you wish) payable termly.   Places do become available throughout the year and are allocated on a first come, first served basis to those on our waiting list.

Your tutor will fire made items (to be collected on a later date). There will be an additional cost for this through 'Weigh & Pay' so the heavier your 'creations' the more you pay!

PLEASE BRING ALONG AN APRON AND SOMETHING TO EAT/DRINK.

 

Tutor Profiles

Russell Coates has taught pottery in Frome since 1988.   At one time Russell taught all the classes, ran study trips to Morocco and Crete, and built a wood fired snake kiln in the College grounds.   Russell teaches three classes on a Thursday when he also fires the gas kiln, enabling students to experience Stoneware Oxidation and Reduction firing.   He offers instruction in a wide range of pottery projects and help with individual areas of interest.

Hiro Takahashi has been teaching pottery more than 30 years to many different groups, ages and abilities.  Hiro teaches design, wheel based work, hand building and sculpture and especially glazing.  Hiro is a member of The Craft Potters Association of Great Britain and is our specialist in Raku. 

Andrew Eddleston is another multi-talented potter and artist who also works as the Pottery Technician.   Producing his own domestic and decorative pottery and sculpture, Andrew works with many artists and groups in the area.   Andrew organises our annual exhibition of student work at The Black Swan and teaches most of our summer courses.

Craig Eyles is the newest of our tutors, starting with Frome Community Pottery in 2018.   However, as a trained teacher, Craig has been teaching pottery for twenty years and also produces his own work which is sold through outlets across the south-west.

How to find us

The Pottery is housed in the Art Department at Frome College.   This is at the top (north) of the campus.   The entrance is on Bath Road just below the junction of Gypsy Lane and Cuckoo Lane.   There is parking just outside the pottery.   DO NOT park in the Merlin Theatre/Leisure Centre car park as there is no way through to the pottery.