CERAMICS STUDIO IN DETAIL

The Ceramics Studio is one of the areas that has had the most programming, iterations and use over time. It has been augmented several times to become a set of machines capable of mass production as well as hobbyist use, and is perfectly equipped to form a highly desirable and productive studio.

One of the main considerations for turning this into an effective space in future is the requirement of management time by competent people of the kiln, reclaiming of clay and overseeing projects or products that people make.

Area

Power requirements 3 phase

Fixed Requirements

Standard plumbing and wastewater. Good lighting.

Floor Area 80 m2

The machines are relatively easy to reconfigure, with only the kiln having specific power requirements and high levels of associated risk. The machines require some careful consideration in terms of layout to manage flow, and to separate and store work in progress. Currently the machines are set up around custom made tables, which could be replaced or reconstructed at a new site.

Moving Requirements

Forklift for kiln, specific plumbing requirements.

Clay is liable to produce a fair amount of mess, with both aesthetic and health related impacts, so ease of cleaning is important for the space, with multiple sinks with clay traps ideal for keeping things clean whilst avoiding clogging drains. The floor and surfaces should be easy to wipe down and cleaned after each session

People

Additional functionality needed to complete

If the area is not well ventilated the kiln will need extraction.

Number of inducted people 34 Users desiring continued access

Various individual residents and programmed groups including SLAB. Also popular with school groups and other partners.

Approximate value £15,000

There are various sets of residents that are likely to be keen to maintain access, and who would be interested in any ongoing programming in the space. The business programmes run from the space, as well as the Maker in Residence could form opportunities for ongoing use in a new location.

Maintenance & Upkeep

The nature of a ceramics space means that regular upkeep is required, both in terms of cleaning and general management, as well as processing products through the various stages of development and firing. To facilitate the regular time inputs needed to make this an effective space, it would likely be most effectively run in a hybrid model of production and open access. .

List of Machines in the Space

For a full list of items, follow the link to the Ceramics Workshop Database