New Pottery Studio Opens In Preston City Centre

Jul, 26 2019

~When something ‘new’ appears in a city centre it can appear strange for commuters as the travel to school or work.

Take Preston, the recent refurbished market created mixed feelings amongst the public. Some said it was a good thing, others were not so sure. In the last couple of weeks the old multi storey car park has been demolished with rumours circulating it could be transformed into a cinema, great for the young but do the more mature feel Preston is losing it’s heritage?

Thankfully something new has opened in Preston City Centre which is more than likely to bring in the young AND the senior ones amongst us.

‘Make North’ is the new pottery studio which opened on Monday 15th July. It was formerly Saul Street Clinic treating patients with a variety of health concerns. The only concern now is whether members can create a viable pot following their clay making.

The studio will provide the following :-

Pottery facilities
Courses
Private workshops and membership,
Studio space for designer-makers working in any discipline.

The building comprises a large, light and airy space where the shared facilities and workshops are held. Supporting facilities such as the kiln, glazing and sinks, and dusty space are in separate rooms either side, while the rentable studio spaces are found in the wings.

Founder Louise Smith has been busy putting the finishing touches to the studio with some generous help from local donations:-

“We received donations of equipment plus money from a philanthropist who has set up an organisation called Woom to support start ups and the creative industries. He’s also got a team together to run a mentoring programme for the people in the studio spaces. There’s a marketer, accountant, gallerist and himself, who will give their time to help with business planning, etc. This will be really invaluable while people are starting out.”

Louise however is calling out for additional help with regards to business sponsorship for subsidised studio spaces. Her vision is for new business owners to gain experience during a six month basis on an unpaid contract. The plan is for one business to adopt a designer maker and pay a full sum of £1,000 to cover the studio space for the six month duration. The business would then be credited in exhibitions and any publicity materials.

Louise is keen to get everyone involved as she goes on to explain :-

“We welcome everyone, from absolute beginners to experienced potters. After listening to feedback, questions and requests from loads of people, we’re starting with an introductory offer of unlimited classes and courses with storage for £60 per month. The artists who teach the courses each have a studio space. They’re already winning awards, doing national shows and getting stocked in places like Liberty.

There are a couple of things that will inspire people to participate :-

BBC Two’s ‘The Great Pottery Throw Down’ has captured the imagination of the public into having a go at this creative art form.
UCLAN’s MA Ceramics course in Preston City Centre. Feedback has been excellent and all the tutors are practising ceramicists.

Louise has these concluding words about Preston and the impact it has on the community:-

“Preston has changed massively in the past few years. UCLAN has really grown and the retention of students seems to be higher, and that changes the dynamic, particularly in the United city centre. I love the Preston Model and the focus on things being local and cooperative, and supported from the ground up by Preston City Council. I think it’s an exciting time to be part of Preston.”

To find out more visit the Make North website.

^Alex Ashworth.