Our story
Made by hand, shaped by community
Clay & Craft is an artist-led pottery studio and creative education space in the heart of Cowbridge, South Wales. We believe in the transformative power of making — the focus, the joy, and the quiet satisfaction of creating something with your own hands.
Where it all began
Clay & Craft was founded with a simple belief: that everyone deserves access to the meditative, joyful practice of working with clay. We set up in The Old Institute — a beautiful historic building in the centre of Cowbridge — and opened our doors to curious makers of all ages and abilities.
From the very beginning, we've been committed to building a studio that feels genuinely welcoming. Not a place where you need to know what you're doing before you arrive, but a place where not knowing is exactly the point.
Today we run a full programme of adult and children's workshops, family sessions, parties, school holiday events, and an open studio membership — all from our home in the Vale of Glamorgan.
What we believe in
Making for everyone
Clay doesn't care about your background, your age, or your experience. We design every session to be genuinely accessible — and we mean that.
Artist-led teaching
Every session is led by practising artists. We bring real craft knowledge into the room, not just instructions.
Community at the centre
The studio is a gathering place. We love that our regulars know each other, that families come back season after season, and that the kettle is always on.
Slow, considered making
We're not a production line. We encourage you to slow down, pay attention, and enjoy the process — whatever comes out of the kiln is a bonus.
Inclusive by design
We are committed to making Clay & Craft a genuinely inclusive space. We work with SEND schools, run adapted sessions for neurodiverse learners, and welcome participants with physical disabilities. If you have specific access needs, please get in touch before booking and we'll do everything we can to make your visit work.
The people behind the clay
Clay & Craft is run by a small team of working artists and educators who are passionate about craft, community, and good tea.
Robin Dring
Founder & Lead Artist — Ceramics, handbuilding, community programmes
Ethan Norris
Children's Programme Lead & Technician — Children's workshops, school holiday events, SEND sessions
Robin Dring
Wheel Throwing Tutor — Adult wheel throwing, membership studio sessions
The studio
We're based in The Old Institute, a Grade II listed building on Town Hall Square in Cowbridge. The space has been thoughtfully adapted for ceramic work — with proper ventilation, accessible facilities, and enough room to spread out and make a mess.
The Old Institute, Town Hall Square, Cowbridge, CF71 7DD
Come and make something
The best way to understand what we do is to come and try it. Browse our current programme and book a session.
See what's on