I offer hand- building figurine and vessel making workshops for small groups and one to one sessions  in my studio at Portland Works. There are a maximum of 5 in a group so you will have plenty of guidance and space to create and develop your unique pieces. During the workshop I will demonstrate hand-building techniques including slab building, coiling and pinching which are techniques that I use to make my own figures and vessels. I have images, books and my own work in the studio to help inspire, but you can also bring your own ideas which I can support you with. The workshops are suitable for beginners or people who have experience using clay.  You will be able to work at your own pace and I will be there if you need support. When your piece is finished it will be left to dry and I will fire ready for collection.

Group workshops

I currently have spaces in my figurine workshops for the following dates during March and May 2026. (see flyer below)  You can choose to come to one of the workshop days or both days.  If you choose both days this will give you the opportunity to develop your figurine and add simple decoration before firing.  

one to one sessions

I am also able to offer one to one sessions; typically 3 sessions which are booked over a period to suit, but I am flexible about how many sessions and which days. I charge £100 for a 3 hour session.    

If you are interested and would like book onto a workshop or receive more information  please get in touch through the contact page.

““Beyond pinch pots, I had virtually no experience with clay and it didn’t matter. Mary will guide you clearly and patiently through the creative process. She is generous with suggestions while supporting you to make your own decisions….It was absorbing and exciting to see my figurine develop over the sessions,

Mary holds a warm, creative space with opportunities for conversation or for simply comfortable quiet focus…. i cannot recommend this workshop enough and am keen to return and create with Mary again”.

JM (workshop participant) 2024

“It was a real pleasure and fulfilling learning experience working with you over the three mornings. I really appreciated the collaborative approach and the non-didactic nature of the sessions. It was very encouraging being able to translate my ideas and our joint interest in myths and precolonial art.
Thank you for helping bring the idea to life with your time and expertise. I will definitely like to have another session sometime in Spring.”

Dayo (one to one sessions) 2025