FIFTH ELEMENT POTTERY: A SOCIAL ENTERPRISE WITH A THREE-FOLD MISSION
Crafting Excellence: We produce high-quality, stoneware for both retail and bespoke commissions.
Pottery Experiences: Offering lessons to explore the art of pottery and ceramics.
Inclusive Access: We aim to offer free and subsidised access to classes and workshops to those living with poor mental health, social isolation or exclusion.
Take a Class
Learn the basics of wheel-throwing. Perfect for those new to pottery!
Special Workshops
Join us for unique workshops focused on specific techniques like Glazing, Raku firing or creating functional pieces.
Five Elements Of Craft: Earth, Water, Air, Fire, And Heart
We focus on the core aspects of pottery, with a special emphasis on throwing. While our main passion is helping students develop their skills on the wheel, we also have members who practice hand-building, allowing for a broader exploration of pottery techniques.
Our approach covers the complete process—from throwing to glazing, crafting handles, and beyond—ensuring that whether you’re interested in hand-building or wheel work, you gain a comprehensive understanding of pottery.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced potter, join us to refine your skills and experience the joy of creating with clay.
Earth: Pottery begins with the clay, sourced from the earth. It is the foundation of every creation, representing stability and the potential for transformation.
Water: Water softens and shapes the clay, allowing us to mould it into form. It brings flexibility and fluidity, helping the material become what we envision.
Air: As the shaped clay dries, the air plays its role in solidifying the structure, preparing it for the next stage of its journey. The balance of air is essential to prevent cracking and ensure the piece’s strength. –
Fire: The fire in the kiln brings the final transformation, turning the fragile, dried clay into a durable, finished piece. It represents both destruction and creation, as the clay hardens and becomes something lasting.
Love: At the heart of it all is Love, the Fifth Element. Love is the creative force that drives every piece made at Fifth Element Pottery. It’s the passion, care, and intention behind each touch, each shaping moment, and the joy of sharing the craft with others.
When you work with clay, you engage with all the elements in a harmonious process that reflects nature’s balance. Love ties these elements together, making each piece unique and imbued with personal meaning.
Ceramics Basics
Learn the crucial skill of centering clay on the wheel, an essential step for creating balanced and symmetrical pieces.
Glaze Techniques
Learn about the different types of glazes and how to apply them to your pottery. Understand the firing process, including the basics of bisque and glaze firing.
Materials of Ceramics
Clay Types: Explore different clays like stoneware and porcelain. Get familiar with essential pottery tools like sponges, ribs, and trimming tools to shape and finish your work.
Crafting Techniques
Learn essential pottery techniques, including wheel-throwing for shaping clay on the wheel, trimming for refining forms. Each method enhances your ability to create unique and expressive ceramic pieces.
Where & WHO we are
Nestled in the tranquil surroundings of Marcassie Farm, our pottery studio offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Surrounded by rolling hills and lush countryside, the simple yet charming workshop invites creativity and relaxation. The rustic setting allows you to fully immerse yourself in the art of pottery while enjoying the natural beauty of the farm. It’s the perfect place to reconnect with nature and let your creativity flow.