Dimbleby Ceramics - Studio Pottery Courses reviews

Louise Evans reviewed: Beginners Pottery Day Course

"Thanks Matthew for a fantastic day. My daughter and I loved every minute and even surprised ourselves. Your help and patience in teaching us how to produce some great pieces shows how you can teach novices in such a short time!! We look forward to collecting our pieces and putting them to use. We would recommend you and look forward to returning one day soon. Thank you"

Dimbleby Ceramics - Studio Pottery Courses responded:

"Hi Louise, Thank you for the kind review. It was lovely to meet you and Hannah,. It was fantastic to see the progress that you both made creating forms on the wheel. Best wishes Mathew"

Ian Rushton reviewed: Beginners Pottery Day Course

"Thanks again Mathew for a fabulous return visit. I really enjoyed the day and very pleased with difficult shapes you helped me to master, especially the tankard. Hope to see you again soon."

Dimbleby Ceramics - Studio Pottery Courses responded:

"Hi Ian, Thank you for the review, it was a pleasure to have you back on the course and build on the skills you learnt in the previous workshop you attended. Your pots are now ready for collection, and a cup of tea if you have time. Best wishes Mathew"

Sally Rowney reviewed: Beginners Pottery Day Course

"Easily enough equipment and space for 2 people to be taught at the same time. A good day for my daughter and I. We both made some bowls and jugs. Looking forward to seeing the final results when we get them back."

Dimbleby Ceramics - Studio Pottery Courses responded:

"Hi Sally, Thank you for your review. Your just pots are in the kiln firing this evening and will be ready to collect next week. Kind regards Mathew"

Helen Herbert reviewed: Beginners Pottery Day Course

"I was a complete novice and quite nervous about attending the workshop , but Mathew was so friendly and patient , I soon relaxed. I'm looking forward to collecting my pottery pieces in a couple of weeks ."

Dimbleby Ceramics - Studio Pottery Courses responded:

"Hi Helen, Thank you for your lovely review. Your pots are in the kiln firing this evening and will be ready to collect next week. Best wishes Mathew"

Gavin reviewed: Beginners Pottery Day Course

"I did a one day wheel throwing session with Matthew recently. It was an excellent day. It was fairly intensive, which is exactly what we wanted and we got quite a bit more done than we expected. I'd not gone near a potter's wheel before and would have been happy with anything vaguely resembling a pot, so I was a tad sceptical of Matthew's claims that we would get a range of finished wares made that day that we could use in the home. The instruction was top-notch however and I was really pleased with the half a dozen pots and jugs I made on the day. Matthew is a very capable instructor, whose passion for his craft really comes out in the way he teaches. The day is well structured and very practical; quick coffee then straight into the clay, all hands on, all day. I would not hestitate to recommend this course to anyone who wants a really practical, enjoyable introduction to wheel throwing."

Dimbleby Ceramics - Studio Pottery Courses responded:

"Hi Gavin, Thank you for your kind review, I had a great teaching both of you and seeing you both achieve so much in just one day. I just wanted to let you know that your pots are now ready to collect. Best wishes Mathew"

Sarah reviewed: Beginners Pottery Day Course

"My son and I have just had a superb day on the beginners pottery course. From learning the basic techniques to progressing in our own directions, learning from our errors and having the space to experiment. Matt was generous with his knowledge and patience. Thank you. I would be willing to bet that whatever you might want from a day like this you won't leave disappointed."

Kerry Brown reviewed: Beginners Pottery Day Course

"I booked the potters wheel workshop as a birthday present for my husband . Both myself and my husband attended and had a fantastic day . Having no experience at all using a potters wheel , I came away feeling like I had learnt new skills . Matthew was very friendly , clear with his instructions and patient . An excellent day , would love to attend again sometime to build on the techniques I learnt . Thankyou Matthew ."

Dave Clarkeson reviewed: Beginners Pottery Day Course

"One day pottery course with Mathew Dimbleby I cannot praise this day highly enough. Before going, I had only had one very short session on a potter’s wheel, but I needn’t have worried. Mathew is an excellent, patient teacher, willing to spend as long as it takes to help you along the way. Seldom have I been so focused, or felt the same sense of achievement as I did during this class. It was also really good fun - Mathew is a top bloke, and we found plenty to chat and laugh about during the day. It has really whetted my appetite and I can’t wait to do more. Thanks very much Mathew. All the best David"

Hayley reviewed: Beginners Pottery Day Course

"The course was so much fun, starting right from the basics as I'd never done anything like this before. Matthew was friendly and professional and made it a very enjoyable day. I'd recommend it to anyone."

Daniel reviewed: Beginners Pottery Day Course

"I had an excellent day learning throwing from Mathew. His relaxed hands-on style really helped me to pick up the techniques involved in throwing. This was my first experience on a potter's wheel. Mathew taught me how to throw bowls & jugs. He gave me leeway and choices to impact the design of the final pieces as well, which gives a much more personal feel to the output. I'd recommend Mathew's course to anyone who wants to learn how to throw. I'd do it again tomorrow!"

Shelley reviewed: Beginners Pottery Day Course

"For at least the last five years I have wanted to go on a course of throwing but have been plagued by illness and injuries. So last week when I was 'mended' enough I jumped at the chance to book something. I did a lot of research and even though there are many tutors closer to home I really felt I should follow my instincts not to mention glowing reviews. So glad I did!! Mathew and his wife Rachel are delightful. I had an horrendous journey and arrived flustered but Mathew immediately put me at ease and I knew we were going to have a great day. He is a exceptionally talented tutor - calm, methodical, friendly, knowledgeable and kind. Not every potter can teach how to centre clay or show a beginner the ropes. I was delighted with the results and absolutely know I want to learn more - in fact have thought of little else since I left his studio. Bizarrely every pot I have picked up since I have scrutinised and run my fingers through it's 'walls' I am now on a big drive to find funds for my own wheel. I seriously cannot thank Mathew enough."

Mark Elsmore reviewed: Beginners Pottery Day Course

"I received a days experience on the potters wheel as a birthday gift from a friend. Upon arriving at Dimbleby Ceramics myself and my friend were met by Matthew and were instantly made to feel welcome by himself and his wife, Rachel. As I had never done any pot throwing before i was a little apprehensive, but there was nothing I had to worry about. Matthew is a very good teacher, is very patient and put me at my ease quickly. The workshop was nice and warm and within minutes we were on the wheel working on our first bowl! Under Matthews calm instruction it seemed only a few minutes had passed and I was sitting in front of a bowl that I had made! I couldn't believe it! The day could have ended there and I would have been happy. To cut a long story short, before the day had ended I had many more bowls, jugs etc, each time learning another technique. My friend and myself have done a few experience days in the past and this has to be the best I have done so far. Anyone looking to do a course on a potters wheel could do no better than booking one with Dimbleby Ceramics. Definitely a five star experience."

Simon Rouse reviewed: Beginners Pottery Day Course

"From the moment we knocked on Mathew's front door we found a warm welcome and a great communicator. Mathew went out of his way to establish a friendly informal tone, quickly understanding our expectation of the day. As a couple we started the day with a litle trepidation; I hadnt touched a potters wheel for more than 30 years, and my wife had no previous experience at all. Mathew skillfully coached us both simultaneously, spotting our mistakes and showing us how to correct them as we went. Our confidence grew rapidly as our pots took shape in front of us. We achieved far more than we expected, with 6 pots each now waiting to be fired and glazed (all included) The whole experience was loads of fun and we're keen to return very soon to learn more. Thanks so much Mathew !"

Pete and Louise reviewed: Beginners Pottery Day Course

"Amazing experience throughout from learning about the course and booking to getting in the studio. We had a fantastic day with Mat who's such a friendly and enthusiastic teacher. We've already recommended to a couple of people and would recommend to anyone looking to throw a bit of pottery!"

Caroline & Ian reviewed: Beginners Pottery Day Course

"This workshop was absolutely fantastic. We had no previous experience of any sort of pottery and so were a little apprehensive about what to expect. We had both wanted to try to throw pots for some time. Mathew immediately put us at ease. He paid close attention to what we were doing and so could show us when we were doing things right and wrong. We learned a lot of the basics and through the course gained a bit more of a feel for the clay and how to throw different forms. Mathew is a very genuine person and a great teacher. We thoroughly enjoyed the day and would wholeheartedly recommend this course to anyone who is interested in gaining a new skill. Thanks so much for an amazing day in so many different ways. It was very relaxing and very informative."

Karen Robinson reviewed: Beginners Pottery Day Course

"As a complete beginner I had no experience of throwing clay, However after just 1 day with Mathew I had learned enough of the basics to enable me to take what I had learned home and develop my skill. Mathew is a very experienced teacher, very knowledgable, patient and clear in his instruction. I made 5 forms during the day, 4 Bowls and a jug. I learned how to centre clay, cone up, open out , pull up the clay wall and use tools. Having dedicated tutoring time really makes a difference in how quickly you can pick something up and I would recommend this day without Hesitation to anyone who seriously wants to learn a new skill. The day is relaxed and friendly and you come away with a sense of achievement , Thanks again Mathew"

Susan koszak reviewed: Beginners Pottery Day Course

"Spending a day learning how to throw a pot with Matthew was brilliant.I shared the day with my daughter and we were amazed how many different items we made.Matthew guided us through each stage of the process in his wonderful pottery workshop.Its definitely inspired us both to do more with clay. Many thanks?"

Sheila Dempster reviewed: Beginners Pottery Day Course

"I had a fantastic day, it had been 40 years since I had last thrown a pot and under Matthew's guidance it seemed like yesterday. I had a very productive day making cylinders, bowls, jugs and dishes and even went off piste throwing different shaped pots I had sketched out myself over coffee. I highly recommend this course for all abilities."

Liam bartlett reviewed: Beginners Pottery Day Course

"Had a fantastic half day with Matthew, excellent teacher, really friendly, helpful and most of all patient. Neither me nor my mum had been near a potters wheel before yet we managed to throw and shape 8 devent bowls/jugs each !! All thanks to Matthews's amazing guidance. Highly reccommend this to anyone, such a great day, challenging but really fun. I definitely plan on trying the next course. Thanks for a cracking day Matthew."

Kirsten reviewed: Beginners Pottery Day Course

"Great course, thank you Mathew, just what I needed. I had already tried the potters wheel at another studio but felt frustrated with my throwing skills. I was ready to give up. After reading the reviews on Mathews course I decided to give it another try. It's all true, Mathew's enthusiasm and endless patience revived my confidence. Whilst he is obviously an accomplished potter, he is happy to go at your pace. I really enjoyed the day and came away with pots to be proud of. I would thoroughly recommend this course to anyone, who like me, is new to throwing and wants to learn and have fun in a welcoming and friendly environment."

Harald Van der Linden reviewed: Beginners Pottery Day Course

"Having read the fantastic reviews about Mathew's potters wheel throwing for beginners I asked Mathew whether he could organise a half day pottery workshop to entertain my family with partners (8 of us), to which he duly agreed. Mathew and his wife Rachel (herself an art teacher) welcomed us into their workshop where half of us worked on building with clay under the supervision of Rachel, whilst the other half of us got to grips with the potters wheel under expert tuition from Mathew. Half-way through the session we swapped around which meant that each of us managed to throw 2 pots on the wheel, as well as produce a Dutch canal house in clay. All will be fired and glazed by Mathew for us to collect later. Mathew and Rachel made this a real fun family experience. None of us had done anything like this before, but all of us would love to do it all over again! We'll be back...."

Vijaya and Rav reviewed: Beginners Pottery Day Course

"My wife and I attended the Potter’s wheel throwing for beginners. What a brilliant day, we didn’t want it to end! After a warm welcome we ventured into Mathew’s studio. Mathew is an excellent teacher. He gave really clear instructions on the wheels and we were soon centering the clay ourselves. The pace of the course was really good. Really good fun and lots of banter with Mathew. With both me and my wife on a wheel each, we got quite competitive, we pushed each other along. By the end of the day we had pots, bowls, jugs and some more bespoke pieces shall we say. We even got a chance to turn some partially dried pots too. Looking forward to seeing the fired pieces in a few weeks’ time. I would definitely recommend this course to anyone looking to try out throwing on a pottery wheel."

Alice & Joe reviewed: Beginners Pottery Day Course

"Thank you for an absolutely wonderful day! We were both completely new to throwing and the session was suitably tailored to our abilities, providing us with an overview and understanding of the basics in a relaxed environment. This resulted in us both gaining confidence throughout the day and producing some really nice varied pieces by the end! Looking forward to receiving them once they have been fired! Highly recommend!"

Alexia & Lucy reviewed: Beginners Pottery Day Course

"Hi Mathew, Thank you for a wonderful day on the throwing beginner course. It was our first time throwing and found Mathew to be an excellent tutor, talking us through each stage and demonstrating where necessary. We achieved far more from a single day course than I could have ever imagined and we get to take all our pieces home too. We would highly recommend this course to anyone who fancies having a go at a new skill. Alexia and Lucy North Wales."

Ian Rushton reviewed: Beginners Pottery Day Course

"Hi Mat, Thank you for a wonderful day, I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed the day, your company and hospitality. I was amazed how quickly I picked things up after 45 years, since I had last had a go on a wheel at school. This was all down to you. Your studio is excellent and your ability to explain all elements of the art of throwing are second to none. I have already recommended the course to numerous people and I will arrange a return visit after the wedding."