'Clay is therapy' - We meet the owner of a Staffordshire pottery studio who teaches workshops and paint-a-pot sessions

Caroline Farnell-Smith, who has spent 30 years perfecting her skills, runs The Pottery Cave, near Lichfield in Staffordshire, and offers a range of workshops for adults and children.

“I started pottery classes during school and continued this as a hobby during evening classes once I had left school.

“I continued with my education of clay and pottery through short courses, specialist training courses and I have been lucky enough to receive mentoring from master potters to perfect my knowledge and skills over the past three decades.

“Following completion of my teacher training qualification, I realised that my skill set was perfect for sharing my passion for pottery with others.

“I initially started teaching on a casual basis, in village/community halls before quickly realising how popular this art had become.

“I purchased a kiln in 2015 and connected with businesses across Stoke-on-Trent to secure the necessary equipment to expand and create a small hobby business within the heart of the Potteries, in Staffordshire.

“In 2020, I secured a small unit which became known as The Pottery Cave, Clay Studio. This was expanded in 2023 with the addition of The Pottery Cave, Paint a Pot studio now based at Curborough Hall Countryside Centre,” says the 54-year-old.

Caroline, who lives in Great Haywood, offers a wide range of experiences, classes and workshops to suit all ages and abilities.

“We offer ‘paint a pot’ studio sessions, weekly clay handbuilding workshops, pottery wheel throwing experiences, birthday parties, hen parties, baby showers and corporate team building workshops,” she explains.

For Caroline, helping others to fall in love with pottery is very rewarding.

“I love meeting new people and have met thousands of people during my journey with pottery so far.

“There’s so many interesting people who have their own unique story and the most incredible skills to share,” she says.

Pottery is credited for helping people’s mental health by reducing stress, easing anxiety, and building confidence through mindfulness, creativity, and connection.

“Clay is therapy, whether it’s two hours painting or taking a clay studio session, it’s the place where you leave the world at the door and step into a world of creativity,” says Caroline.

“It’s a place where you become at one with the art, in a safe space where you can create anything you want and leave your inhibitions behind.”

When asked what she enjoys most about running the business, Caroline says: “Every day is different, every day I walk into the studio I realise how lucky I am to be fulfilling my dream, working with clay and so many interesting people.”

On October 30, The Pottery Cave is hosting a Pumpkins, Ghosts, Monsters & Magic Halloween clay workshop for children aged eight to 15, from 12.30pm until 1.30pm.

Working with clay pinch pots, they will learn how to make their own Halloween characters, pumpkins, monsters and more.

Each creature will have its own personality and can be taken home to be painted using a small paint kit of chosen colour. 

No knowledge of clay work is necessary and all specialist materials are provided. 

Caroline’s individual throwing lessons teach students the art of the possible with clay.

Starting with centering, she shows them the principles and supports them as they master the techniques and produce their pieces of hand-thrown individual work. 

Wheel throwing workshops take place on the first Wednesday or Saturdays of the month. Also available is a four-week block of professional pottery hand building clay studio sessions where participants can discover the fundamental principles of clay making.

All materials, instructions, glazes and firing of your pieces will be provided, so they can focus on learning and creating something unique.

The paint-a-pot studio offers a broad range of pottery bisque pieces for people to paint, including seasonal items.

To book and to see the full programme of workshops, visit www.linktree/thepotterycave

For more information, visit www.thepotterycave.co.uk or www.facebook.com/Thepotterycave1 or email [email protected]