Studio Rules

We pride ourselves on being a collaborative studio, filled with friendly faces and supportive, like-minded creators of all abilities. 

When you visit the Matt Smith Ceramic Studio, there are a couple of rules to follow to ensure the happiness and safety of all in attendance. Detailed health and safety rules are displayed in the studio and must adhered to.

STUDIO TIMES

Morning Class: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Afternoon Class: 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Evening session: 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

STUDIO HOUSEKEEPING

  • Please be aware of and respect the start and end times for all classes. We need ample time to prepare for the classes to follow, so do appreciate you adhering to the times.

  • Be mindful that working with ceramics, results can often be unpredictable and no one piece will ever be exactly alike. 

  • We may choose to take photos and/or videos during classes, including your pieces of work. If you would rather we didn't please do let us know and we will respect that decision.

EQUIPMENT & WORKSPACES

  • All tools used during your class must be cleaned and returned to their rightful place.

  • Leave your workspace as you would like to find it - clean, tidy and ready for the next student.

  • Unless you have permission from Matt himself, please do not remove anything from the studio. This includes tools, books and equipment.

HEALTH & SAFETY

  • Appropriate clothing should be worn for all classes. We suggest something old but comfortable, with no loose elements that could get caught in equipment. Closed-toe shoes are recommended, and fingernails ideally should be short.

  • Bringing an apron and a towel to further protect clothing.

  • The first aid station can be found to the left of the sink

  • We'd appreciate it if you could please refrain from eating and drinking around the work areas.

  • Make sure that the wheels are switched off before cleaning. 

  • Clay dust can be bad for your health, so please ensure you clean your workspace carefully with a damp sponge or cloth.

  • If you've used sharp tools during your class, please replace the safety cork after cleaning.

  • The extruder handle should always be removed after use.

  • Wear a mask if using oxides, and do not use it if pregnant. Oxides can be harmful if inhaled during pregnancy, so please do let us know if you're expecting - confidentiality of course assured. 

  • Do not touch the kiln unless specifically invited to do so.

  • In the event of an evacuation from the studio, the meeting point is in the car park in front of the studio.

GLAZING

  • If you spot that we're running low on either brush on glazes or dipping glazes, please speak to Matt so can ensure replenishment.

  • Please check with Matt before double-dipping or combining glazes.

  • Please make sure that the bases of your work are well wiped and free from any glaze.

  • If student work damages the kiln shelves, due to a glazing error, we will request a contribution to repair or replace the damaged shelf or shelves. The glazing fees will still also apply

FIRED WORK

  • If we feel that firing your work may be a risk to other work or our kiln, we reserve the right to refuse.

  • If you've produced work outside of the studio, it cannot be fired in our kiln without prior discussion.

STUDENT WORK

  • Do not pick up work that doesn't belong to you, and please be extremely careful moving your work or looking for your piece amongst others.

  • Work that has not yet been bisque fired is extremely delicate. I cannot be accountable for any damages to work.