Meet our makers on our summer open day
Save the date! Join us on Saturday 1 June
It’s that time of year where we open Sunken Studio’s doors to the public. Whether you’re a seasoned maker, new to clay or simply curious about the space that’s become so special to our creatives, come see us from noon until 4pm. This is your invitation to celebrate people, pottery and place - here in the heart of Leeds.
On 1 June, you’ll meet our makers and find out what it’s like to be part of Sunken Studio. Our members will be on hand to tell you who they are, what they love to do, and share their stories to – hopefully – inspire you to discover your own motivations to make, too.
Clay
Join us at our Potter’s Market, where our studio members will have a selection of their pots for sale. You’ll learn more about the potters behind the pieces as they share insights into their motivations, telling the stories behind their pots and explaining the details behind their work.
Our makers will also be hosting live demonstrations at the potter's wheel. Here, you can see them in action and chat about their methods as their pieces progress. Chat to Amelia as she throws pots, to Tash about her cheerful characters, and learn why Johanna makes wheel-thrown slogan pots.
Conversation
As well as time to potter, mingle and start conversations at your own pace, you can join us for talks, tours and demonstrations. James will divide his presentation into three segments: roller design, mug body making, and torque and crackle demonstrations. Don’t worry if this sounds new to you – James will be explaining every stage and showing you how he works as he talks.
For new makers, there will also be plenty of activities to try your hand at and experience pottery for yourself. Simply pull up a chair, roll up your sleeves and give it a go – with no expectations and plenty of fun and guidance. Plus, if you’re a seasoned maker, there’s a chance to show us what you can do!
Collaboration
We’re lucky that our neighbours, Duke Makes, love making as much as we do. They’re a digital fabrication and rapid prototyping agency and they’ll be opening to the public for the day alongside the studio. You’ll see their work in action, and be able to snap up some off-cuts and remnants from their small-batch fabrication runs. It’s your chance to pick up some quality materials to bring your ideas and projects to life, while helping minimise fabrication waste.
Every member of Sunken Studio is different. Yet they’ve all discovered the joys of companionship in a supportive space for self-expression. For many, it’s their third place: where they nourish social encounters with likeminded people. Whether it’s Ben sharing his story of making for coffee shops, Roxanne’s first presentation on her floral decorations, or Elena’s sgraffito, they’re all bonded by purpose and space – and open to sharing their stories with you.
Our open day is a drop-in event, so you can come and go as you please – or stay with us all afternoon. We’ll post a timetable on our Instagram feed (as well as plenty of other updates) before the event so you can make sure you don’t miss the presentations that resonate most with you.
Bring friends and family and explore our studio life with us on Saturday 1 June. We can’t wait to welcome you.
Register your interest to join us and we’ll send you reminders closer to the time.
Highlights:
Hourly Prize Draws and Tours
Watch Wheel Demos, Painting Demos, and Make Tiny Pots Throughout the Day.
12:00 - 13:00:
Meet the Maker: Ben Loebell (12:00)
Studio Tour with Svafa Einarsdottir (12:10)
13:00 - 14:00:
Floral Decoration with Roxanne Chung (13:00)
Studio Tour with Milly Recci (13:10)
Sgraffito and Decorative Slip with Elena Rubiu (13:30)
14:00 - 15:00:
Meet the Maker: Tash Goldstone (14:00)
Studio Tour with Chris Crawford (14:10)
Design, Torque, and Crackle with James Mouat (14:15)
Meet the Maker: Amelia Walters (14:30)
15:00 - 16:00:
Studio Tour with Fernanda Cortes (15:10)
16:00:
Close