Turning Earth in Leyton makes pottery affordable for hundreds of Londoners

Spend an afternoon at Turning Earth and you will see clay in every state: wedged on benches, spinning on wheels, glazed on shelves and fresh from the kiln. The ceramics studio near Lea Bridge has become one of east London's busiest creative hubs, and it is built on a simple idea.

Turning Earth opened its pilot studio in December 2013. Managing director Lewis explains that "The intention was to bring ceramics back into public life and make it affordable and accessible for all." That mission still runs through everything the studio does.

Today Turning Earth describes itself as London's largest co-work ceramics studio. It runs three hobbyist studios across the city and serves hundreds of members and students each week, with an approach inspired by Arts and Crafts values that promotes sustainable, meaningful making.

The Leyton studio sits on Argall Avenue in the Argall Industrial area, beside Walthamstow Marshes, surrounded by other studios, cafés and breweries. Waltham Forest Council describes the studios as "spacious, bright, and accessible", and they are used by students, hobbyists and professional makers who share ideas and learn together.

Newcomers are welcome. Turning Earth offers lessons and courses, and its facilities are open to people regardless of previous experience or skill level, making it an easy first step for anyone curious about throwing a pot.

The studio also brings its community to the public. In September 2025 the Leyton studio hosted a free two day ceramics market as part of the William Morris Design Line for London Design Festival, with more than 80 ceramicists and makers showing handmade work, from functional homeware to sculptural pieces. There were live throwing demonstrations, live music and street food, plus workshops including hand building ceramic flowers with ceramicist Hanna Salomonsson and raku style firings led by senior teacher Ben Sutton, where participants glazed and fired a vase to take home.

Markets like these give members a chance to sell their work and give visitors a glimpse of the craft, and they have become fixtures in the London making calendar.

Turning Earth Leyton is at 11 Argall Avenue, E10 7QE. For courses, membership and market dates, visit turningearth.org.