Nova Smith has been part of Sunken Studio since 2019, contributing not just to teaching and making, but to the practical decisions that shape how the studio works. This post reflects on mould making, studio constraints, and how low-tech, repeatable processes can support sustainable practice across disciplines.
Read MoreDiscover how newcomers to Leeds find community and creative fulfillment at Sunken Studio. Hear from members who've made connections and deepened their pottery skills after relocating. Whether you're new to the city or clay, our studio offers a welcoming space for all to explore their artistic side and build friendships. Join us to make Leeds feel more like home through the love of pottery.
Read MoreRebecca Catterall, founder and director of Sunken Studio, reflects:
“Looking back, the moments when learning genuinely changed how I work all shared one thing: each involved being told to stop.
Stop doing what already worked. Stop relying on familiar habits. Stop long enough to work out why.”
Read MorePhil’s first contact with Sunken Studio was through a short Introduction on the Potter’s Wheel. It came at a time of uncertainty and loss - trying something new when life had shaken him. What began as a small step toward soothing became a turning point.
From those first pots to a commission for Leeds Discovery Centre, his story traces how working with clay can offer both focus and renewal - a steady practice that builds connection over time.
Read MoreSunken Studio was founded on the need for a place in Leeds where people could make, connect, and belong. Rebecca Catterall wanted to create an environment where others could do the same, without the barriers that often make ceramics feel out of reach. Nearly a decade on, those founding ideas remain central. Sunken Studio continues to support independence, provide access to essential resources, and offer a space where making is valued as much for the process as for the outcome.
Read MoreExplore how clay has shaped Leeds, from its industrial roots to modern-making at Sunken Studio. In this blog, discover highlights from our Heritage Open Day, where urban geographer Rachael Unsworth and founder Rebecca Catterall discussed the enduring links between craft, community, and city life.
Read MoreIn just a few short months, Lee Simmonds went from trying ceramics for the first time to creating pieces he now shares with pride. With curiosity, determination, and the right environment at Sunken Studio, Lee discovered a space to explore new skills, refine techniques, and connect with a supportive community of makers.
Read MoreExperience the power of creative escapism at Sunken Studio. Step away from the everyday hustle and find solace in ceramics, where personal growth and relaxation meet. Our members share how creative pursuits offer balance, connection, and fulfilment in a peaceful, supportive space.
Read MoreAt Sunken Studio, pottery is about fostering connections. Our makers come from all walks of life, united by a shared passion for clay and community. Discover how a diverse group of individuals have found inspiration and a sense of belonging through making. Watch our latest video to experience life inside our studio.
Read MoreExplore how diverse experiences enhance pottery at Sunken Studio. Our makers bring different perspectives from painting, music, baking, and more, creating enriched clay works. Our inclusive space fosters creativity, providing equipment, community, and inspiration for all. Join us to connect and create!
Read MoreA reflection on Standard Ware as a period of sustained making, revealing what production asks of a teaching-led ceramic studio.
Read MoreHow the studio’s earliest moves - from a home basement to temporary space - shaped ways of working, collaboration, and scale.
Read MoreThoughts on decision-making, responsibility, and the slow work of shaping a studio that can adapt over time.
Read MoreLooking to historic pots and close observation to inform how new makers develop material sensitivity.
Read MoreWhat a temporary studio space made possible - from shared making to flexible ways of working.
Read MoreHow leaving salaried work and focusing on making shaped the early direction of Sunken Studio.
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