A creative ceramics curriculum. A calming space to learn.
Slow down and appreciate The Clay Yard process
Learn alongside the river in the centre of Totnes
Located in a well-connected transport hub The Clay Yard is accessible and inclusive. All are welcome.
Progress at pace. Find value in the process
The range of courses and tutors offers you a route to progress and improve. Start with the core skills and move on to specialise.
Make with consciously-sourced material
The geology of Dartmoor provides many of the materials used in ceramics. The Clay Yard aims to use locally sourced providers.
Location
Located by the River Dart, The Clay Yard is a leisurely 10 minutes stroll from the centre of Totnes, Devon.
The Clay Yard is a space for those who want to get creative. We offer ceramics programs for all skill levels in a welcoming, beautiful studio that instills connection and collaboration through clay.
Enough structure to learn. Enough space to create freely.
Learning
More than ceramics. Learning at The Clay Yard goes further than hard skills.
Ceramics might be the medium in which you will be learning, but attending The Clay Yard is more than just clay.
Learn a new skill, and become confident and competent in yourself in many different ways. Feel the rewards of improvement from whatever starting point you come in from.

Meet the studio founder and the ceramics tutors who bring The Clay Yard to life.
I’m Alison - a teacher who pots. I’ve taught computer science to secondary schools for over 20 years, and have been teaching ceramics at The Mansion for the last year.
The time felt right to combine my experience in education with my love for clay. Here’s the result - The Clay Yard, and I’m so excited to welcome you through our doors.
Alison Hannah
Founder & Tutor
@alisonhannahclayworks
Tutors at The Clay Yard
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Alison Hannah
FOUNDER & TUTOR
An experienced teacher and practicing ceramic artist, Alison brings practical and theoretical learning to the Clay Yard.
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Julia Toy
TUTOR
Julia has taught Art and Ceramics in both schools and in a studio setting. An experienced thrower, hand-builder and forager of clay.
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Lucy Bell
TUTOR
Lucy experiments with different firing techniques on her thrown work. She teaches at Landworks in Dartington whilst working from her studio at Anran.
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Verran Townsend
Verran has many years of experience teaching ceramics. His methods focus on allowing open exploration whilst gaining wellbeing and comfort in working with our hands.
Experiences at The Clay Yard
Sip and Throw
2 Hours • £55 per couple
Jazz up your social life with a memorable Friday or Saturday evening on the wheel. From 7 to 9pm
Family Fun with Clay
2 Hours • £55 per adult, £45 per child
Price based on minimum of 2 adults and 2 children.
Clay and a Cuppa
2 hours - £55 per person
Show the clay who’s boss on this fun Saturday morning or afternoon session on the potter’s wheel.
An inclusive learning space for all
Your local, accessible space to release your inner artistic flair. Everybody has a place here.