Local Business Spotlight: The Kiln Pottery Studio

The Kiln Pottery Studio, a beloved creative community hub in the heart of Low Fell, Gateshead, has been firing up the creativity of locals since 2016. When the news of its potential closure surfaced, a passionate individual stepped in to ensure the community hub would continue, marking the beginning of a journey to rejuvenate the premises and expand into a café. 

The new owner, a graphic designer and production artist by trade, decided to take on this venture as a way to reconnect with people. The prospect of combining creativity with community engagement was an opportunity too good to resist. Today, she still pursues her career as a Production Artist but finds immense satisfaction in running The Kiln Pottery Studio, where she can express herself creatively and help others do the same. 

The Kiln Pottery Studio offers a safe space for creative expression, a place where anyone can come to enjoy some "me time" over a coffee, explore their artistic side, or try something new with friends and family. The studio's primary focus is pottery painting and it offers a diverse selection of items to choose from. Customers can pick a piece, apply any of the 34 available coloured underglazes, and hand it over to the studio to add a glaze for weatherproofing and to ensure it is food safe. The masterpiece is then fired in the kiln and ready to be collected. 

Additionally, the studio hosts adults-only evenings for those who enjoy sipping and painting, and it's a popular choice for parties and special occasions. In the near future, The Kiln Pottery Studio plans to introduce take-home kits, allowing customers to craft and paint in the comfort of their own homes. The studio also has plans to attend craft markets, family fun days, and collaborate with other local small businesses, offering a variety of creative workshops such as ring making, bath bomb making, sewing classes and more. 

The Kiln Pottery Studio appeals to a wide range of age groups. The studio's doors are open to all, from six-month-olds creating hand and footprints to 92-year-olds revisiting their artistic sides. The atmosphere encourages younger visitors to express themselves without their parents worrying about paint on the carpet. Some visitors arrive without considering themselves artistic, only to leave with beautiful, self-made pieces they're genuinely proud of. 

The journey of revitalizing The Kiln Pottery Studio wouldn't have been possible without the invaluable support received by the Business Gateshead team. Carol, one of our Business Advisors, provided clear and concise guidance. Lauren Riley, owner of The Klin Pottery Studio said: "The notes and advice received from business advisors have been instrumental in navigating the complexities of running a business." 

You can follow The Kiln Pottery Studio on social media - @thekilnpotterystudio.