MAKE Bristol launch new home for ceramics and creative events in the heart of Bedminster

There’s a new creative hub coming to Bedminster’s ever-more buzzing East Street.

MAKE Bristol will be launching their new art and design studio in early September – a home for adults’ ceramics courses, clay-making events and seasonal workshops, as well as a stockist of in-house ceramics and an independent retailer for local artists.

As mums to children of the same age, co-owners Liz and Jenny met on the school run, and made the decision to be business partners when they learned of a Bristol City Council grant helping proprietors to fill vacant properties on the city’s high streets.

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Though their respective backgrounds are in art/teaching and science respectively, they bring a wealth of experience and shared passion for art and design, from blown glass, textiles, and printmaking, to paper cutting and craft techniques.

But it their mutual love of ceramics that is front and centre at MAKE Bristol.

“It is a chance to stop and focus on making something,” enthuses Liz.

Mugs made in house – photo: MAKE Bristol

“I often say that if you are remotely stressed and your mind is thinking of all the other things you need to do, ceramics forces you to put all that aside for a moment and focus on the here and now.

“As adults our jobs and our lives are so busy there is so rarely a moment to stop and just breathe.

“Some people choose exercise to relax and unwind and some use creative practice.”

Planters made in-house – photo: MAKE Bristol

At MAKE, the available taster sessions include throwing classes on the pottery wheel; there are also six or 12 week courses for those keen to broaden their experience, learning production techniques from slab building to coiling and press-moulding.

Towards the end of all the courses, students will have the opportunity to glaze their work, exploring different ways to add colour.

There are also mug making workshops, monster making sessions for children, seasonal events, parties and one off ‘pottery experiences’, and plans for additional art and design classes to be introduced for younger children in spring 2023.

Liz gives a throwing lesson on the wheel – photo: MAKE Bristol

It’s been a long process of preparation and transformation, but now, as MAKE Bristol approaches the point where the business can open its doors, the shop refit is starting to take shape.

“It’s such a bustling part of the city,” says Jenny, “and though some of the shope are vacant, and parts of the area feel rather neglected, there are all these great new ventures popping up amongst wonderful places that have been there for years, and it’s so exciting to be part of what feels like a burst of new energy coming to this area of South Bristol.

“Whilst we’ve been there working to get the studio ready, we’ve had so many people stop to ask what’s happening, what we’re putting in the space, and it’s been so welcoming, and so encouraging.”

Stock made in-house – photo: MAKE Bristol

Making stock for the studio over recent months has given Jenny cause to reflect on the enormous benefits that creativity can unlock.

“I’ve realised just how important doing something creative is for me,” she explains.

“Taking that focus away from whatever else is going on in your life and putting it into making something with your hands is actually really therapeutic, and then at the end to be able to hold something up and say ‘I made this!’ is not only so satisfying but also just really joyful.

“I am looking forward so much to bringing that excitement to all our clients, and sharing in that delight with them.”

Monster making – photo: MAKE Bristol

MAKE Bristol opens in early September at 124 East St, Bedminster, with an official launch party planned for October (exact dates to be confirmed). For more information about all upcoming events and courses, visit www.makebristol.com or follow @make_bristol on Instagram.

Main photo: MAKE Bristol

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