Dimbleby Ceramics - Studio Pottery Courses reviews

Liz & Keith Charlton reviewed: Beginners Pottery Day Course

"I have wanted to learn to throw pots for a long time and for various reasons life had always got in the way. I decided that it was now or never. I read several reviews and chose to book with Matthew. To my surprise, my husband agreed to join me and so with excitement on my part and no expectation on my husbands we headed to Stoke. From the moment we were greeted at the door by Matthew the day exceeded both of our expectations, Matthew was welcoming, relaxed and positive, and we felt that whatever the day brought it would be enjoyable and fun. The day turned out to be better than that, we learned a lot, we made much more than we expected, we asked many, many questions that were answered and discussed without us being made to feel stupid for asking, and we had so much fun. To top it all, my husband thoroughly enjoyed it and wants to buy a potters wheel! A great day, made totally enjoyable by Matthew and his family and a foundation for further adventures. Thanks"

Dimbleby Ceramics - Studio Pottery Courses responded:

"Hi Liz and Keith, Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. I had a fantastic day teaching you both and sharing my love of clay and the skill of throwing on the wheel. You both achieved so much in one day and it was lovely that you were both enthusiastic and were keen to learn more. It is always exciting when people complete the course and are so inspired they want to buy a wheel to continue learning. If you need any advice on a wheel just let me know. If you need to further your skills in the future it would be lovely to have you both back and extend you knowledge on the wheel. Best wishes Mathew"

Oonagh Keen reviewed: Beginners Pottery Day Course

"I had a wonderful experience today! I have been looking for somewhere to throw a pot for a while and I felt extremely at ease and encouraged to achieve things I never thought I could. Matt’s encouraging and calm approach gave me the confidence to realise what you can achieve in the right environment. Will definitely be returning!"

Dimbleby Ceramics - Studio Pottery Courses responded:

"Hi Oonagh, It was a pleasure to have you on the course today and see you achieve with your natural affinity with the clay. It would be great to have you back on the course and develop your skills further. Best wishes Mathew"

Barbara Forbes reviewed: Beginners Pottery Day Course

"I did a 3 day course with Mathew - always wanted to try throwing and wanted a really immersive, creative experience. Having no previous experience I was nervous but needn't have been. Mathew is encouraging, enthusiastic and welcoming - and an excellent teacher. He is gifted at knowing how much to say and when to say it. I really enjoyed the throwing and the painting too. Thanks to his excellent guidance, it all went far better than I could have imagined. I have made 19 pieces, including jugs, plates, a nested set of bowls and even a galleried pot and lid. I have just collected the pots after firing .Overwhelmed doesn't even come close. I will try and put them on Instagram. Totally delighted. Am so pleased to have had this experience. Mathew and Rachel are lovely, friendly people and I highly recommend his course - he is as the saying goes " a safe pair of hands" which I guess is just what you need in a potter! I hope to come back again in the future for a refresher course. Thanks, Barbara."

Dimbleby Ceramics - Studio Pottery Courses responded:

"Hi Barbara, It was lovely to meet you for the workshop and see you produce a fantastic range of pots. It really did give you the opportunity to use many skills, including making lidded vessels. The techniques that you acquired over the three days took you from a beginner and really built your confidence on the wheel. . It always amazes me just how much progress can be made in such a short space of time. It would be great to have you back on the course in the future and progress your skills further. Best wishes Mathew"

Ian Legge reviewed: Beginners Pottery Day Course

"I booked a day course with Mathew for my wife's 40th birthday so she could try her hand at throwing on the wheel. I had used a wheel before and wanted to brush up and get some new skills. Mathew is an accomplished potter and a natural, skilled teacher. In next to no time he had my wife producing some bowls and pots anyone would be proud of. At the same time he was able to cater to my slightly more experienced needs, expanding my knowledge and developing my skills. We both had a truly terrific day, enjoying not only the pottery work but also the hospitality and conversation of Mathew and his family. It was lovely to meet such open minded, kind-hearted and generous people. I will certainly be back for more.....my wife may even insist on coming too with her new found ability! (Ian and Monika)"

Serena James reviewed: Beginners Pottery Day Course

"I’d booked a one day course as a birthday present for my partner (something we could do together) based on all the positive and amazing reviews - we were not disappointed. Despite our late arrival (multiple train issues), we were still able to produce 6 practical and usable dishes each, which I think is a true testament to Matthew’s teaching skills. This is a fantastic course to do as you really learn to appreciate the level of skill required to master a truly beautiful craft. We thoroughly enjoyed our time on the course and can’t wait to receive and use our handcrafted dishes. I highly recommend this course with Matthew; he’s a fantastic teacher and I will definitely book again for another session."

Dimbleby Ceramics - Studio Pottery Courses responded:

"Hi Serena and Sandro, It was a pleasure to teach both of you and see you both progress throughout the day. Your pots are now drying ready to be fired and glazed. It would be a pleasure to have you both back on the course again in the future. Best wishes Mathew"

Jane Tillier reviewed: Beginners Pottery Day Course

"Although I love ceramics (especially stoneware), I had never worked on a wheel before. I had such a great day! Mathew was a patient and encouraging teacher. I learnt a great deal in 6 hours and was hugely pleased with what I managed to produce. Thanks, Mathew! An inspiring, challenging and relaxing 60th birthday treat!"

Dimbleby Ceramics - Studio Pottery Courses responded:

"Hi Jane, It was a lovely to meet you and an enjoyable day teaching, seeing your skills develop on the wheel and chatting about our similar interests. I look forward to you seeing your finished glazed work. Best wishes Mathew"

Suzanne Wilson reviewed: Beginners Pottery Day Course

"This is something I had always wanted to have a go at and had no experience whatsoever. From the start Matthew put me at ease, explained everything really clear and guided me throughout, he showed me lots of techniques and was very supportive and encouraging. The day went by so quickly and I have six amazing products to show for it which I actually made on a potters wheel! I cant wait to come back, I would encourage anyone who is thinking about having a go to book with Matt, you wont be disappointed, this course is truly brilliant! X"

Dimbleby Ceramics - Studio Pottery Courses responded:

"Hi Suzanne, Thank you for the lovely review, it was great to see your skills develop throughout the day and you produced some lovely forms on the wheel. The pots will be fired next week and I will be in touch about collection. Best wishes Mathew"

Janice Parker reviewed: Beginners Pottery Day Course

"Can't praise Matthew enough for the wonderful day me and my husband spent in his studio yesterday. I had done some throwing years ago but nothing spectacular and Phil is a complete novice. Matthew was very patient and catered very well to our different needs. Phil was so excited to actually produce a bowl on his first attempt. We both came away having made several bowls and jugs each. Matthew and his family were very welcoming and chatty throughout the day. Very relaxed atmosphere and even the sun was out. I would recommend this workshop to anyone, beginner or more advanced potter as Matthew has excellent skills as a teacher which he imparts cheerfully and with great generosity. Hope to go again in the not too distant future."

Dimbleby Ceramics - Studio Pottery Courses responded:

"Hi Janice and Phil, I had a great day teaching both of you and seeing you develop throughout the day. It was great to see you throwing with 4 lb plus balls of clay and producing some really lovely forms. I hope to see you again soon. Best wishes Mathew"

Ann Matthews reviewed: Beginners Pottery Day Course

"This is an excellent course, I had no experience at all of pot throwing, and as a complete novice did not expect to make as many things as I did: 9 items in all, not counting the ones that didn't work. Matthew is an excellent teacher with plenty of patience. It is a thoroughly enjoyable experience and I highly recommend the course."

Dimbleby Ceramics - Studio Pottery Courses responded:

"HI Ann, Thank you for the great review, I had an excellent time teaching you and watching your skills develop throughout the day.It was great to see the look on your face when we put all the pots together and you realised just how many you had made. Best wishes Mathew"

Isabel Markham reviewed: Beginners Pottery Day Course

"I received a voucher for this course for my 20th birthday because I have a fascination for pottery but no experience at all. It's one of the best presents I've ever had; the day was so wonderful, and on top of learning so much about the skills and techniques in throwing a pot, I got to take home 4 bowls and 3 jugs with me which can actually be used! Matthew is really lovely and a great teacher. I definitely recommend this course and really wan to go back myself!"

Dimbleby Ceramics - Studio Pottery Courses responded:

"Hi Isabel, A fantastic achievement on the wheel with a lovely range of forms produced. Your pots will be fired and glazed over the next few weeks, They can then be collected or posted out as discussed. Best wishes Mathew"

Richard Adams reviewed: Beginners Pottery Day Course

"I wanted a one day throwing lesson for my friend Rina who was visiting from Holland, I could not have made a better choice, Mathew was just perfect. Rina wrote her review (sic) “It was a wonderful gift. A few hours on Saturday, Mathew taught me basic techniques for working with pot turning + same relevant tools. At the end of the day I was able to make my own idea for a clay jug on the disc. It was a perfect day.” Thanks from both of us."

Dimbleby Ceramics - Studio Pottery Courses responded:

"Thank you Richard,it was lovely to meet you both. It was great to see Rina achieve her goals during the day and go away with the confidence to use her new skills. Best wishes Mathew"

Rosie Green reviewed: Beginners Pottery Day Course

"I bought a voucher for my dad so he could throw a pot (I had to keep him company of course!) we had such a great time we booked a second trip to decorate our many pieces, and managed to throw another two large pieces as well! Really lovely space to work in and lovely guy to teach us! Mathew is really easy going and patient, but also makes sure you get the most out of the time you have with him and shows you a range of techniques. So happy with our creations, can't wait to see them fired! 100% recommended :)"

Lindsay West reviewed: Beginners Pottery Day Course

"Matthew gave us an excellent overview of how to use the potters wheel with one to one instruction, and we totally enjoyed ourselves! It was a lovely creative day that flew by and we learned all kinds of new skills. Thanks Matthew for your careful instruction- we can’t wait to see the fired results!"

Derek and Hazel reviewed: Beginners Pottery Day Course

"What a great day we had! Mat and his wife were very welcoming. He outlined the day over a cup of coffee and then took us to his impressive studio at the bottom of his garden. We began hesitantly but quickly gained confidence from his enthusiastic, expert tuition. He has a very easygoing teaching style, is relaxed and chatty. With his encouragement we managed to complete several pieces ranging from a simple bowl, through cream jugs to attempting a chalice by the end of a thoroughly enjoyable and productive day. From walking in with a degree of apprehension, we walked out having completed so many pieces all thanks to Mat!"

LESLEY WILLS reviewed: Beginners Pottery Day Course

"Yet another excellent day at the wheel with Mathew; he constantly encourages me in developing new and exciting skills. Who would have imagined that I could create storage jars, plus lids; even the ones that collapsed!!! Thank You Mathew"

Dimbleby Ceramics - Studio Pottery Courses responded:

"Hi Lesley, Thank you for the taking the time to leave a review. It is great to see your skills continually develop on the wheel and just how much you have achieved over the past year. I look forward to seeing you again in July. Best wishes Mat"

Sarah B reviewed: Beginners Pottery Day Course

"What a brilliant day! As a complete novice to pot throwing, I had no idea what to expect, but with Mathew's excellent teaching I made a lot more pots then I had envisaged! I cannot recommend the course highly enough."

Dimbleby Ceramics - Studio Pottery Courses responded:

"Hi Sarah, Thank you for your review, you clearly have a natural ability with the clay. Your pots are now dry and will be fired throughout this week, ready to collect later next week. Best wishes Mathew"

Wendy Arnold reviewed: Beginners Pottery Day Course

"I booked the course as a birthday present for my husband, Barry, and I went with him to observe. What a wonderful day! When we arrived we were greeted by Mathew and Rachel who are a lovely, welcoming couple. The course was wonderful. Mathew is an exceptional instructor and communicator. With Mathew's easy instruction and patience Barry was soon comfortable with the equipment and clay and within a short while was looking like a proper potter himself! He came away from the day with a feeling of great accomplishment having made three jugs and several dishes - all proudly displayed in our kitchen for family and friends to admire. If you've always had a desire to try a "bit of pot-throwing" go nowhere else. Mathew is a master craftsman and a brilliant tutor - you could do no better. Thank you Mathew for your instruction, enthusiasm and "joie de vie" - you have fulfilled a life-long ambition in the most perfect way."

Virginie Eckersley reviewed: Beginners Pottery Day Course

"Going on the course with my three daughters, I could not have imagine that learning a new skill would be such fun. As a complete novice with pottery and clay I didn't think that I could achieve anything worth taking home. But with Mat and Rachel's teaching skills, their patience, their enthusiasm and good humour we all stretched ourselves to reach creativity levels we didn't know we had. Thus resulting in producing some unusual and rather good works from the four of us. Mat and Rachel welcomed us to their house and studio, they both have the ability to make strangers very comfortable.... the coffee and cakes were rather good too!!! I am looking forward to meeting again when collecting our precious collection. Thank you again. Virginie"

Dimbleby Ceramics - Studio Pottery Courses responded:

"Hi Virginie, Thank for the lovely review, myself and Rachel had a lovely weekend teaching you and your family various creative clay techniques. It was great to see how creative you all are, including the thought that went into the handbuilding workshop with detailed patterns. The throwing workshop was great fun on the potter's wheel, with a range of beautiful forms being created. All the pots are now in the kiln firing and will be glazed next week ready to be posted out. We would love to have you back for another creative workshop in the future. Best wishes Mathew & Rachel"

sophie reviewed: Beginners Pottery Day Course

"After an excellent weekend on the course I genuinely cannot recommend it enough! Not only did we learn a fantastic new craft, we made beautiful bowls and had such a laugh doing so. We loved the friendly relaxed feel and just cannot wait to go back again. Thank you"

Dimbleby Ceramics - Studio Pottery Courses responded:

"Hi Sophie, Thank you for your lovely review, myself and Rachel had a great day teaching you all various clay techniques on the course. If you ever want to develop your clay skills further in the future, with another creative workshop let us know. Best wishes Mathew & Rachel"

Lucy Barry reviewed: Beginners Pottery Day Course

"What an outstanding weekend. So much more personal than we were expecting. Both supportive and pushing us to be creative, and the results were fantastic. I don’t think I’ve ever laughed so much whilst also learning. I can’t wait to go back!"

Dimbleby Ceramics - Studio Pottery Courses responded:

"Hi Lucy, We had a great day teaching all of you to throw on the wheel, seeing your creativity develop throughout the day using hand building techniques. I am sure that the famous Barry honeycomb technique will be used for future decoration.The work created was excellent and we can't for you to receive the finished glazed work. Should you want to return in the future for another workshop it would be a pleasure to have you back to develop your ideas further. Best wishes Mathew & Rachel"

lesley wills reviewed: Beginners Pottery Day Course

"I attended the beginners course over a year ago and was hooked!!! Mathew's endless patience, skill and enthusiasm is infectious and I now have a class every month; what an amazing gift from my brother in 2018. Thank you Mathew, for so generously sharing your passion for pottery. Give it a go!!!"

Dimbleby Ceramics - Studio Pottery Courses responded:

"Hi Lesley, It is an absolute pleasure seeing your creativity grow each month and understanding of each technique. The big kiln reveal after decorating and glazing all of your work was really exciting, with outstanding results. I look forward to seeing you again in May. Best wishes Mathew"

Glenn Hickling reviewed: Beginners Pottery Day Course

"It was, without doubt, one of the best things I've ever done, spending a day with my wife throwing pots under the expert eye of Matthew. He is an incredible teacher, by the fourth pot I actually felt pretty confident on the wheel and got great results that we will actually use day to day in our home. Can't wait to eat noodles out of a bowl I threw myself. He made the day such fun too. If you want a pottery experience with solid results to remember the day by, choose Matthew. And where better to do it than at The Potteries?"

Dimbleby Ceramics - Studio Pottery Courses responded:

"Hi Glenn, Thank you for such a great review and I had a fantastic day teach both of you. It was amazing how much progress that you both made in such a short time and the quality of the forms that you both produced. Your pots are now drying and will be fired shortly, I will be in touch as soon as they are ready to collect. Best wishes Mathew"

Rachel reviewed: Beginners Pottery Day Course

"I recently attended a one to one 'Throwing Wheel Workshop' day with Mathew for a birthday gift from my partner. It was the best gift ever - I had such an amazing day. Having been a little apprehensive beforehand, any fears were soon alleviated from the moment I arrived. Matthew and his wife Rachel welcomed me into their home and Mathew very quickly put me at ease in using the wheel. As the day progressed, my confidence grew and I managed to make 6 items (3 bowls and 3 jugs). I was amazed that they even looked a proper shape! I learnt so much in a day and it was so therapeutic and a good distraction from life's stresses! I'm looking forward to seeing the finished products once they have been fired. I would highly recommend the day to anyone. Mathew's instruction, humour and patience really helps to make the day so relaxing and enjoyable. Thank you Mathew."

Dimbleby Ceramics - Studio Pottery Courses responded:

"Hi Rachel, Thank you for the lovely review. It was great to meet you and partner and chat over lunch. The beautiful forms that you created on the day have now been fired. If you can e-mail me at sales@dimblebyceramics.co.uk with your mums address I can drop them off for you later next week. If you want to collect them yourself let me know. Best wishes Mathew"

Fiona Galbraith reviewed: Beginners Pottery Day Course

"What a fantastic day my daughter, my partner and I had with Matthew at Dimblebey Ceramics. We were made to feel so welcome. The course was fun and Matthew was an excellent teacher. We were all complete novices yet each of us went home with several pieces of pottery. Many thanks."

Dimbleby Ceramics - Studio Pottery Courses responded:

"Hi Fiona, Thank you for your lovely review. I had such a fun day teaching all of you, not only seeing everyone's progression but the competition grow throughout the day. The beautiful forms that you all created are all drying, these will be fired over the next couple of weeks ready to collect. Best wishes Mathew"

Esther Pepper reviewed: Beginners Pottery Day Course

"Hi Matthew Yes, we very much enjoyed the experience - Andrew had such a great time he is seriously looking at taking up throwing as a hobby. I can't tell you how wonderful it was for me to see him so absorbed in something that wasn't work-related. I counted 17 vessels in total. Large or small, they each represented a unique challenge for us first-timers. Of course, much of what we achieved was down to your can-do character, your time-honoured techniques and the clarity of your teaching. Couldn't help but notice how working with clay demonstrates many serendipitous life lessons - from the firm grip that's needed for centring, to slowing the wheel at key moments and when to stop fiddling. A big favourite was that if any project doesn't work out, we can just recycle it and start afresh with a new piece. So for me, clay work represents the perfect blend of meditation and creation - 'One could spend a lifetime throwing the perfect pot and that life would not be wasted,' (to steal a quote from The Last Samurai). Our best regards. love Esther"

Dimbleby Ceramics - Studio Pottery Courses responded:

"Hi Esther, Thank you for the lovely review. I has such a great day teaching you and Andrew, especially seeing the progress you made throughout the day on the wheel. Best wishes Mathew"