About The Shire Workshops
Joe and Bob Stafford
We believe that all artistic expression is joyful, therapeutic, and enriching. That it should be encouraged in all ages, and be a vital part of all our lives. And, that you can do it too – Just express yourself…
Our ceramics/pottery studio is available for artists, budding artists, and those who would love to explore clay whatever their age and experience. We offer 8-week pottery classes, raku firing days, Pal Tiya sculpture workshops, and private tuition. We can also organise creative days and courses for you, your family, and your friends.
Our workshops are located in Wilbarston, between Market Harborough and Corby. We aim to provide you with an oasis of creativity for the mind, body and soul.
Meet Joe and Bob
Joe Stafford
Owner, Artist & Sculptor
Bob Stafford
Sculptor, Ceramicist, Designer
Meet your teachers
Joe and Bob teach classes on Thursday 10am, and 1pm, Friday 10am and 1pm, and Saturday 10am. Joe also teaches Thursday at 7.15pm. They also manage all the running of the studio so they are onsite throughout the week. Other experienced pottery teachers assist them.
Claire Brown
Ceramicist and Pottery Teacher
Claire works as a ceramicist from her studio in Market Harborough and sells her work in the Midlands at Craft and Ceramics fairs as well as online. She is particularly interested in thrown ceramics, working with underglazes and scrafitto as well as Horsehair and Raku ceramics.
Claire teaches the following classes: Monday 4.30pm and 7.15pm, Tuesday 4.30pm, and Wednesday 4.30pm and 7.15pm
Emma Swales
Ceramicist and Pottery Teacher
Emma works from her pottery studio in Lutterworth, working mainly in thrown forms creating functional and statement pieces with expressive glazing. Her work evokes a sense of dramatic landscapes. Her new work explores further surface decoration techniques. She has been selected to exhibit at ceramics fairs including several Potfest events, and many other speciality pottery events. You can find her work online and at pottery events across The Midlands.
Emma teaches the following classes: Tuesday 4.30pm and 7.15pm
Lora Cannon
Ceramicist and Teacher
Lora runs her own pottery studio, Fred’s Den Ceramics, and supplies her products to the Two Old Goats coffee shop in Market Harborough. Her work is handbuilt or thrown on the pottery wheel. She also creates templates for pottery projects and her work is available online.
Lora teaches the following classes: Wednesday 7.15pm, and Friday 7.15pm
Helen Lopez
Sculptor, Ceramicist and Teacher
Helen works from her studio in Naseby, where she sculpts portraits, figures, and animals which she casts into bronze and ceramics. She has exhibited her work at the Mall Galleries in London and exhibitions throughout Northamptonshire and Leicestershire. She also throws functional pottery. She sells her works at speciality markets and fairs in Northamptonshire and online.
Helen teaches the following classes: Monday 4.30pm and 7.15pm, and Friday 7.15pm
Marilyn
Studio Cat
Marilyn is our much-loved and pampered Studio Cat. He/She brings much joy to the students and regularly inspects their work. However, Marilyn is not always well, so we have a GoFundMe page for Marilyn’s ongoing care and treatment. Read his/her story
Pottery, Arts and Crafts Events
Browse our list of creative events across the Midlands that you might like to visit. You’ll even see some of your teachers selling their own work at some of these events.
What people say about The Shire Workshops
Embracing mythical and creative side
Bob and Joe are wonderful and this is such a charming place. They have a very knowledgeable but relaxed teaching style and their creations are fantastic. I’d highly recommend everybody spends at least a day embracing their mythical and creative side here.
Girl Guides
I took some girl guides to see Bob (including one with severe special needs). We had a fab time and he was so patient with all of us…we all achieved a sculpture and threw a pot each on the wheel…can’t wait to go back…highly recommended!
A wonderful space
I absolutely love visiting to do a bit more to my project each time. Bob is so patient and full of knowledge. His guidance and teaching of techniques is very clear. The studio is a wonderful space with inspirational ideas around the room, plenty of space to work alongside others and very clean and well organised. The outdoor space is a wonderful little getaway from the hustle and bustle of life with wildlife to watch and listen to. I’m looking forward to returning.
Fantastic Pal Tiya
Great day with Joe and Bob. I have a million ideas and honestly couldn’t recommend it more! And the Pal Tiya is fantastic! Supple and so easy to mix and work with. Would be a terrific team building exercise.
Sculpting Workshop
I’ve just had a great day with Joe and Bob being introduced to Pal Tiya sculpting medium. The workshop was well signposted, with excellent joining information, and was held in a working ceramics workshop, The class size was small, which meant close supervision and guidance throughout that was helpful and informative. Joe did a great job demo’ing each of the techniques. Can’t recommend the workshop enough for those wanting to explore sculpting in a clay-like medium without the faff of kiln firing.
Green Man Workshop
Really good day spent with Bob and Joe. Lots of advice, patience, tea and biscuits for an absolute beginner. With their help, came home with a Green Man that I will be happy to put on a wall. Highly recommended!
Witches and wizards sculpting day
Visited today for the witches and wizards sculpting day and thoroughly enjoyed it! Joe and Bob were very helpful and lovely hosts. Cannot wait to visit again!! Highly recommended!
Pottery Class
Bob and Joe are incredibly talented, have amazing patience and kept the tea flowing while we all put our newly learnt skills to the test. There is no judgement, just support and such an enthusiasm to share their knowledge with you. It was such a great experience.
Pay Tiya Workshop
Yesterday we had the most wonderful day with Bob and Joe at their pottery studio. We were shown the techniques of working with Pal Tiya, which is an amazing medium to sculpt without the need for firing. Everyone was lovely and tea and cake in the garden area was very nice! Definitely want to do this again – highly recommended!
