Discover how newcomers to Leeds find community and creative fulfillment at Sunken Studio. Hear from members who've made connections and deepened their pottery skills after relocating. Whether you're new to the city or clay, our studio offers a welcoming space for all to explore their artistic side and build friendships. Join us to make Leeds feel more like home through the love of pottery.
Read MoreRebecca Catterall, founder and director of Sunken Studio, reflects:
“Looking back, the moments when learning genuinely changed how I work all shared one thing: each involved being told to stop.
Stop doing what already worked. Stop relying on familiar habits. Stop long enough to work out why.”
Read MorePhil’s first contact with Sunken Studio was through a short Introduction on the Potter’s Wheel. It came at a time of uncertainty and loss - trying something new when life had shaken him. What began as a small step toward soothing became a turning point.
From those first pots to a commission for Leeds Discovery Centre, his story traces how working with clay can offer both focus and renewal - a steady practice that builds connection over time.
Read MoreWhat started with a compact gas kiln has grown into a full strand of glaze teaching at Sunken Studio - from our hands-on Make a Glaze course to Glaze Club, the Big Mix, and soon the return of live firings. This post shares the thinking, testing, and collaborative energy behind how we teach glaze-making - and why it’s shaped the studio in more ways than one.
Read MoreThoughtful pottery, shared purpose - this post reflects on Take on Plates, a ceramics exhibition created by Sunken Studio members in Leeds.
Read MoreSunken Studio was founded on the need for a place in Leeds where people could make, connect, and belong. Rebecca Catterall wanted to create an environment where others could do the same, without the barriers that often make ceramics feel out of reach. Nearly a decade on, those founding ideas remain central. Sunken Studio continues to support independence, provide access to essential resources, and offer a space where making is valued as much for the process as for the outcome.
Read MoreEnas, a Sudanese-Canadian artist, shares her deeply moving journey - from her architectural roots in Khartoum to exploring ceramics in Leeds. In this video, Enas reveals how her work gives voice to untold stories of Sudanese women, weaving history, culture, and resilience into each piece. Discover how clay becomes a medium for storytelling, reflection, and connection.
Read MoreExplore how clay has shaped Leeds, from its industrial roots to modern-making at Sunken Studio. In this blog, discover highlights from our Heritage Open Day, where urban geographer Rachael Unsworth and founder Rebecca Catterall discussed the enduring links between craft, community, and city life.
Read MoreIn just a few short months, Lee Simmonds went from trying ceramics for the first time to creating pieces he now shares with pride. With curiosity, determination, and the right environment at Sunken Studio, Lee discovered a space to explore new skills, refine techniques, and connect with a supportive community of makers.
Read MoreExperience the power of creative escapism at Sunken Studio. Step away from the everyday hustle and find solace in ceramics, where personal growth and relaxation meet. Our members share how creative pursuits offer balance, connection, and fulfilment in a peaceful, supportive space.
Read MoreAt Sunken Studio, pottery is about fostering connections. Our makers come from all walks of life, united by a shared passion for clay and community. Discover how a diverse group of individuals have found inspiration and a sense of belonging through making. Watch our latest video to experience life inside our studio.
Read MoreDiscover daytime pottery courses at Sunken Studio. Whether you're seeking a creative outlet, team-building activities, or a sense of community, our studio provides a welcoming space. Explore new skills, connect with likeminded makers, and join our membership for access to exclusive resources.
Read MoreExplore how diverse experiences enhance pottery at Sunken Studio. Our makers bring different perspectives from painting, music, baking, and more, creating enriched clay works. Our inclusive space fosters creativity, providing equipment, community, and inspiration for all. Join us to connect and create!
Read MoreMark your calendars for an inspiring afternoon at Sunken Studio on Saturday, 1 June, from noon to 4pm. Experience the zeal and creativity of your local potters, explore a variety of pottery crafts, and enjoy live demonstrations. Get to know our makers, and perhaps discover a new hobby! Whether you’re a seasoned potter or new to clay, there’s something for everyone. Don’t miss out - come celebrate clay with us in Leeds!
Read MoreA reflection on Standard Ware as a period of sustained making, revealing what production asks of a teaching-led ceramic studio.
Read MoreUsing a small, carefully timed production run to support a local charity, while exploring glaze development, rhythm, and care during a period of pressure.
Read MoreA large-scale restaurant commission developed during lockdown, revealing both the possibilities and pressures of production, collaboration, and specialist skill.
Read MoreHow Standard Ware emerged from a desire to support learning, test production, and understand where making and teaching meet - and where they begin to diverge.
Read MoreHow early Hey Clay! projects - including a workshop at Duke Studios and the studio’s first open day - shaped shared making, collaboration, and ways of working during a period of transition.
Read MoreHow the studio’s earliest moves - from a home basement to temporary space - shaped ways of working, collaboration, and scale.
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