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Sak Beh Pottery
Sak Beh Studio Pottery was founded by Tessa Robinson, who lives and works in London. Her idea was to create a comfortable, homey place to work and be creative. Situated in a very busy and central location, just off Stoke Newington High Street, the studio is a drop of calm in a very fast moving world.
Tessa trained in Fine Art, specialising in sculpture (modelling in clay). On completion of a three year Post Graduate Course at the Royal Academy of Arts, Tessa set up a studio in Hackney. The transition from sculptor to potter came many years later whilst doing doctoral research in Maya archaeology at UCL. Inspired by Maya ceramic art, and in particular the pots which combined sculpted and painted imagery, Tessa moved from research back to making. After attending courses in pottery and taking up a membership at a London pottery studio, she set up Sak Beh Pottery and is now a full-time potter and maker.
Tessa's works are informed by both her Fine Art training and her research into Ancient Maya ceramic art. The phrase 'Sak Beh' can be found on Ancient Maya monuments where it refers to the Milky Way as an ancestral path or road as well as the physical roads which connect people to places. In keeping with its namesake, Sak Beh Pottery is envisaged as a place for community interaction within the context of a creative journey.
Reviews(63)
Hannah
19 May
Had a good time but felt quite rucmshed doing both throwing and hand building in the short time. Would have preferred to work for the whole time on just one of the activities and really get a feel for it. Also collection times for picking up work are not particularly flexible and difficult for someone working full time in another area.
Isabelle
23 Mar
Sak Beh Studio is a beautiful space and Gabby is a lovely and really helpful and encouraging teacher. Great way to spend an evening..will be coming back !
Bushra
6 Apr
I really enjoyed the workshop. The teacher was great, really enthusiastic, interested in what we were making and made sure we all ended up with something to take back from the session. I will definitely recommend this class! 5 star from me!
Emily
8 Apr
Such a lovely class with a passionate and talented teacher. The studio space was so inspiring and the class size was perfect. I'm totally addicted and can't wait to go back!
Reviews
Hannah
19 May
Had a good time but felt quite rucmshed doing both throwing and hand building in the short time. Would have preferred to work for the whole time on just one of the activities and really get a feel for it. Also collection times for picking up work are not particularly flexible and difficult for someone working full time in another area.
Isabelle
23 Mar
Sak Beh Studio is a beautiful space and Gabby is a lovely and really helpful and encouraging teacher. Great way to spend an evening..will be coming back !
Bushra
6 Apr
I really enjoyed the workshop. The teacher was great, really enthusiastic, interested in what we were making and made sure we all ended up with something to take back from the session. I will definitely recommend this class! 5 star from me!
Emily
8 Apr
Such a lovely class with a passionate and talented teacher. The studio space was so inspiring and the class size was perfect. I'm totally addicted and can't wait to go back!
Hazel
30 Apr
Really informative, fun class - can recommend!
Patricia
5 May
Really enjoyed my this workshop. Each person had their our own station (no sharing/split time), we learned a little about pottery and clay, as well as the techniques we would be using. We watched the teacher making a pot and then we applied what we learned to our piece.
At the end, everyone helped clean the stations so we also learned about the cycle of clay and how you can reclaim it, as well as the care you should have with silica dust.
The studio also offers classes if you're keen on that after the workshop.
Can't wait to pick up my piece!
Elena
7 May
Had a great time! Rosie was very patient. She talked through all the steps - excellent particularly for beginners!
VE
11 May
Fantastic instructor and beautiful studio. The beginners workshop I attended was really enjoyable with a lovely vibe. The instruction and modelling was perfect for absolute beginners. It’s a bit of a shame that the pots are glazed for you and that you’re only allowed to keep one - I hadn’t realised this beforehand - but do understand given time constraints. I’d love to come back for more sessions!
Violet
18 May
Such a nice instructor ! She went though everything so thoroughly and helped when needed but also allowed you to just have fun with it. Perfect for people who have never done something like it! X
Alicia
18 May
It was our first time throwing and we loved it! Rosie is a really amazing teacher, she talks through everything so clearly and gives lots of help if you're not so confident. Highly recommended!
Becky
27 May
My first time throwing--we learnt all the important stages and I really enjoyed the process! Can't wait to pick up my pot.
Rollo
28 May
Really good fun. Great teacher and nice studio 👏
Felicity
1 Jun
This workshop was honestly one of the most enjoyable things I’ve done in a while! It offered the perfect amount of teaching and hands-on practical experience so that you could get use to throwing in the time provided. I would 100% recommend it to anyone thinking about trying this art form out!
Calli
6 Jun
Great way to try out throwing. Mallory was super helpful and knowledgable. Would recommend if you want to give pottery a go
Stephanie
11 Jun
Amazing experience! Went for my birthday with my friends and the instructor was so friendly and professional! Made it so much more fun. Highly recommend
Lily
26 Mar
Good, Clean Facilities
None
21 Apr
Okay.
Valentina
4 Apr
I had an amazing and very special experience at the taster class in this studio. Tessa is a very generous and kind person, organised and clear on her instructions. I was able to make my first pot with a lid and some really unique details. I then spent the rest of the workshop painting a beautiful bowl that she had prepared for all students. I will certainly go back regularly and sign up to the full course. I highly recommend this place/
Emily
19 May
Such good value for money and a seriously enjoyable class with really nice teachers!
Nicholas
25 May
Great space and teachers. It'd be nice to have more time to make mistakes and learn on the wheel and with hand crafting, but as an introductory taster it was perfect. A bit crowded, and a bit of a scramble during the clean up, but still really worthwhile. Left me wanting to do more more more! Can't wait to pick up our finished pieces :-D
i'd do another here for sure
Neeraj
11 Jun
Really well taught session and good amount of time on both the throwing and hand moulding. Could easily have spent another hour there!
anna
16 Mar
I have now done this taster lesson twice. Loved it! I'm hoping to make this a proper hobby :) Lovely teachers who welcome you with a cuppa. Beautiful new studio and and great tutoring. Highly recommended
Suzanne
22 Mar
Thoroughly enjoyed this taster session - the studio is beautiful and Mallory was such a brilliant instructor. She was so passionate about ceramics it was impossible not to share her enthusiasm, and she was calm, patient, and supportive throughout. I unreservedly recommend this class!
Aaysha
26 Mar
A really enjoyable session. My husband and I thought that it was well organised. Rosie provides clear instructions and demonstrations - she made sure she gave everyone some individual time to help with their pottery. I was really pleased with the items I made. The venue was lovely: clean, bright and well equipped.
Emma
26 Mar
Had such an amazing class with Malory,she was so thorough and really explained everything so well. A great first experience with Obby in a beautiful studio
Hazel
27 Mar
Fantastic value for money. Session started promptly with a health and safety briefing and instructions about throwing the clay. Then we picked up our clay, choose a wheel and got started. It was a great learning environment and we were actively supported and instructed throughout.. I was very happy when I picked up my two pots, which had been fired and glazed. I would highly recommend this taster session.
Michaela
30 Mar
Such a great class and I hope to do more in the future , absolutely brilliant teachers !
Arianna
31 Mar
Rosie is very friendly and welcoming. She is explained very clearly all the process from start to finish to gives us instructions on what to do. She also made sure everyone got some help when needed. I would have wanted also to paint my piece after the firing, but looking forward for other sessions when that will be possible. Rosie makes pottery throwing achievable for everyone!
SAVIOUR
3 Apr
Very good class which I really enjoyed. I will recommend to others.
Jyoti
6 Apr
Brilliant afternoon spent learning about pottery crafting and main techniques to shape and throw. Quite a challenge but the instructor as fab! Was such a laugh and would totally do it again :)
Christina
8 Apr
Great class, very enjoyable! Malory was a very detailed instructor. It would have been great though if Sak Beh had a few pictures of what you wanted to achieve at each step to keep you on track (also one step - centring - wasn't on the board of steps). Otherwise great session and really appreciated the feedback along the way! Thank you :)
Danny
8 Apr
The class was great! For the first 45-60 minutes we were shown the concepts and basics of throwing in a clear and comprehensive manner. We then spent about an hour and a half having a go ourselves. Gabby, the instructor, was friendly, welcoming, helpful, inclusive and gave clear direction while allowing room for creativity and error. It was exactly what I was looking for from a first session and has spurred me on to take up a five week course. Thanks!
ilaria
15 Apr
The course is was fun and I learned a lot. The teacher was very passionate and helpful. I'll definetely go back!
Laura
16 Apr
Such an enjoyable class, our instructor Gabbi was an amazing instructor.
I will definitely be back for more lessons in the future.
Laura
16 Apr
I took my mum for mothers day and she really enjoyed the experience too! we can't wait to go pick up our creations and see how they turned out.
Cristina
17 Apr
Great space and great class!
anna
20 Apr
Was back for my 3rd class, and again was so much fun. Tessa is a great teacher!
Emma
20 Apr
Gabby is a wonderful teacher! She has an extensive technical knowledge which allows for a very informative and insightful throwing experience. You do not feel rushed within the timeframe and are able to ask questions to get the most out of the workshop. It was a relaxed environment with no judgement and the studio is beautifully set up and organised, uncluttered and bright - a perfect creative atmosphere and I will definitely be coming back! Thank you to Gabby and Tessa for having me.
Sabrina azman
21 Apr
Such a lovely and supportive teacher! The number of students are perfect so everyone has equal amount of attention. The studio space is very very clean and comfortable. Go for it!
Chris Andrew
21 Apr
Class was overbooked and I was not given any notice or cancellation. I showed up as booked but was told I could not attend. This is the second time something like this has happened. I can't comment on the teaching.
Rebecca
1 May
Such a great class. Delightful studio with wonderful facilities. Our teacher was brilliant- so patient and inspiring and clearly a true love for clay and ceramics.
Clementine
5 May
Great workshop, beautiful studio, incredibly useful tuition. Will come back!
Mollie
5 May
Really great class and helpful instructor.
Choi-Ha
6 May
Lovely studio! Very informative on basics and had a great time on the wheel as a beginner. Would definitely recommend!
Joyce
6 May
Great taster experience, and good introduction to the fundamentals/basics. The instructor was very friendly and clear in her instructions, and the small group makes the experience all the more fun and engaging!
Olivia
6 May
The class was very fun and the teachers worked were very knowledge and helpful.
Sophie
8 May
What a beautiful studio, the photos do not do it justice.
Had a few problems with too many folks showing up for the class which the owner was not able to manage well and instead blamed Obby. Was an incredibly awkward start.
The instructions and class were great, although the wheel throwing was more difficult that I thought it would be! The instructor was super hands on and helpful and was able to make some pots.
They don't send you any reminders when your pots are done, you have to check their website for this - don't forget!
Ernest
18 May
Great introduction to wheel spinning. Would've liked better timekeeping!
Nico
21 May
Really great workshop, the studio is warm, clean, and cozy! Would highly recommend to anyone, found throwing really hard and satisfying at the same time.
Sofie
26 May
Great teacher who taught us a lot of techniques during a 3hours pottery session. Pretty studio where they respect all materials and are eco-friendly. I would recommend this to anyone who is interested and wants to learn more!
Lena
29 May
Really enjoyed it. Thank you!
Dominique
2 Jun
It was a fun afternoon and the instructor was very knowledgeable but I would have liked more time actually playing with the clay as we only got two attempts on the wheel.
marie
3 Jun
It was a very lovely experience. The teacher gave us very clear explanations. I really did appreciate the fact that the place was absolutely spotless.
I only wish we could have done more trial by our self at the end (and a little less cleaning- even if i don't mind at all eheh :) )
I do highly recommend it!
See you soon!
Camila
3 Jun
It was so much fun! we learned the basics and were able to keep the piece we loved. Also loved that they taught us about the importance of mindfulness with clay, making sure we don't waste it as we wash our hands in the sink.
ula
3 Jun
It was really interesting and relaxing.
Rebecca Wise
5 Jun
A fantastic way to get into throwing- my first experience and one I'd love to try again. We learnt the theory and tried out each step, a wonderful way to spend a sunday afternoon!
Richard
10 Jun
A brilliant workshop in a lovely environment with a great and encouraging teacher.
VIKTORIA
11 Jun
Eloise was a great instructor and the studio is really cool and neat. The theory/practice ratio was good and the effort they put in the pieces after is impressive. Can't wait to pick up my final piece!
Joanne
16 Jun
I never expected to be able to actually throw a piece! So happy with what I made. The leader of the class was so nice and helpful and the studio was lovely
Philip
16 Jun
Lots of fun, great teacher and we’ll definitely be back
Tasha
17 Jun
The instructor was intimidating, every time I made a mistake she would say that “well this is not good because you’ve done this wrong again”. It made me feel insecure and useless as it was my first time doing it. Also, the class ended 30minutes earlier that stated. I was surprised that we could only take 1 of our creations home and an additional £3.50 will be charged if u want to take more than that. I have seen many other places that allows us to take 4 of our pieces home for free. Not worth £50 for the service and the fact that it was less than 3 hours.
None
19 Jun
I can't rate the experience this time as we were not able to participate. I had booked to attend the class with a friend but there was something wrong with the booking system and we were turned away at the door. We received a refund but the class was booked far in advance and it was disappointing not to be able to take part in the class as we had travelled to get there.
None
19 Jun
Attended with friends. Was a fun two hours we made two pots and picked them up a few weeks later. Great if you have had no experience.
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