Rebecca 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 MoreWhat started with a compact gas kiln has grown into a full strand of glaze teaching at Sunken Studio - from our hands-on Make a Glaze course to Glaze Club, the Big Mix, and soon the return of live firings. This post shares the thinking, testing, and collaborative energy behind how we teach glaze-making - and why it’s shaped the studio in more ways than one.
Read MoreThoughtful pottery, shared purpose - this post reflects on Take on Plates, a ceramics exhibition created by Sunken Studio members in Leeds.
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 MoreEnas, a Sudanese-Canadian artist, shares her deeply moving journey - from her architectural roots in Khartoum to exploring ceramics in Leeds. In this video, Enas reveals how her work gives voice to untold stories of Sudanese women, weaving history, culture, and resilience into each piece. Discover how clay becomes a medium for storytelling, reflection, and connection.
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 MoreWe have potter’s wheels and we’re not afraid to use them.
Read MoreSunken Studio was setup by Rebecca in September 2016. A lot has happened. Here’s a bit more about Rebecca’s background and motivations.
Read MoreThoughts on decision-making, responsibility, and the slow work of shaping a studio that can adapt over time.
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.
Read More
