Turning Earth Events

Turning Earth Leyton, 20-21st September 2025, 11-5pm

To celebrate the London Design Festival (William Morris Design Line) and Open House London, Turning Earth has organised a few activities to keep you busy this September. 

The Turning Earth Autumn Ceramics Market returns to the Leyton studio on the weekend of the 20th and 21st of September. With 60 different makers offering their handmade pieces over the two days, you can expect to find some crafted and unique treasures.

All the ingredients for the best weekend out are there: handmade pieces, live music, street food and drinks, wheel-throwing demonstrations, and some Sunday workshops.

On Sunday only, the talented Hanna Salomonsson will be back to teach how to hand-build intricate, delicate yet strong flowers. While our senior teacher Ben Sutton will run two raku-style firings: we will have pre-made vases for you to glaze, fire and take home at the end of the session. The spaces for all the workshops are limited, so book promptly. LINK HERE.

But that’s not all. The whole neighbourhood will be buzzing with events and open studios over the weekend. For example, on Saturday 20th, the charity Furnishing Futures will open the doors of its warehouse and show you how they turn what might have been destined for landfill into beautiful, professionally designed spaces that support the recovery of women and children rehoused after domestic abuse. On Sunday 21st, Sharon Hennessy, founder of Suite Comfort 2024, will open her workshop doors and demonstrate the intricate processes that bring old seating pieces back to life, from stripping away old materials to carefully rebuilding each layer with precision and care.

Highgate Woods, 13th and 15th September

To celebrate London Open House, we have organised the firing of the Roman Kiln Replica on the 13th-15th September.

The collaboration between Turning Earth and FoHRK (Friend of Highte Roman kiln) started last year, when the Turning Earth Highgate team undertook the very exciting project to forage wild clay from the woods, create Roman-style pottery based on archaeological findings from the area, and build a replica Roman-style kiln in the woods themselves. 

After having hosted several workshops over the last spring and summer months, there are many pieces finally ready to be fired. If you have missed those workshops, there is still one last chance on the 7th of September, in celebration of the local pottery heritage day. Some volunteers will run free drop-in hand-building workshops at the Information Hut, just next to Pavilion Cafe (Muswell Hill Rd, Onslow Gardens, London N10 3JN) and the kiln itself, from 11 am to 4 pm. 

The firing will be open to the public on both the 13th and 15th, and it’s a very unique experience to watch. The kiln will be lighted on Saturday around 7 am, and it will continue to burn until around 9 pm. After a day of cooling down, the kiln will then be opened and unpacked on Monday around 12 pm. 

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21st June 2025 Turning Earth Leyton 10-5pm

TURNING EARTH SUMMER SOSTICE SOCIAL
Celebrate Creativity and Community on the Summer Solstice

This summer, Turning Earth invites you to mark the longest day of the year with an unforgettable celebration of creativity, connection, and craft. On Saturday, 21st June 2025, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Turning Earth Leyton will host the Summer Solstice Social — a vibrant, hands-on event open to studio members, students past and present, and the general public.

Held in honour of the Summer Solstice, a day traditionally associated with abundance, growth, and renewal, the event celebrates the ancient art of pottery and its power to bring people together. Whether you have some previous experience or you are a complete beginner, you'll find something to spark your creativity and enjoy the day. 

The day’s programme includes:

• Handbuilding workshops (ticketed, 11 AM and 1 PM): in Sweden, there’s a very sweet tradition on Midsummer Night, to pick 7 flowers from 7 meadows, put them under your pillow while you sleep, and supposedly you’ll dream about the person you’ll marry. To celebrate this tradition with us, our lovely Swedish Hanna will guide you to sculpt some wonderful flowers.
• Live Raku-style pottery firings (ticketed, 11.30 AM and 1.30 PM): you will glaze some of our pre-made vases with special Raku glazes then you will assist the exciting and fiery firing. By the end of the session, your piece will be ready to be taken home.
• Throwing drop-in sessions (free): if you have never tried pottery before, this is your chance to have a go on the pottery wheel and feel moving clay under your hands (and realize how mistakenly simple it seems!)
• A ‘potter’s dream’ raffle (ticketed): with goodie bags of the value £150-£220 from our sponsors Potclays, Hartley&Noble, and Glost Glaze. You just need to try your luck!
• A communal pot: one single big community pot, to which any guest can contribute to with coils and decorations, helping us create a keepsake of the event, to be permanently displayed in the studio.
• Live music and drinks throughout the day, from bubbles to the craft beer of the local Neckstamper. Our neighbour Pavilion Bakery will also be open for some sweet or savoury treats.

The sculpting and Raku firing workshops are expected to fill quickly, so early booking is recommended. Tickets are available via this link: https://bookwhen.com/turningearthsummersolstice

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“Just as the solstice welcomes the light of summer, we’re inviting the community to have fun and connect with us” says Lewis, Operational Manager at Turning Earth. “We hope this event will become a new annual tradition — one where everyone feels welcome to connect through craft.”

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23-24 November 2024 Turning Earth Leyton 11-5pm
7-8 December 2024 Turning Earth Highgate 11-5pm

We are thrilled to announce our upcoming Ceramics Markets, a vibrant showcase of artistic talent and handmade craftsmanship, with over 200 different makers over four days.

Whether you’re a returning pottery lover or a curious newcomer, the markets offer something for everyone: browse the one-of-a-kind pieces, meet the makers behind the masterpieces, and discover why this mindful craft is so popular in the city. With the Christmas season fast approaching, get ahead of the last-minute frenzy and buy something that has been made by hand locally with passion, and support small businesses in your area.

There will be street food, from freshly baked sourdough pizza to BBQ delicacies and hot dogs. We’ll have festive drinks to warm you up in cold weather, from local craft beer to mulled wine, and barista coffees, or soft drinks if you prefer to keep it chilled. And last but not least, there will be live music to add an extra dose of festive cheer to the atmosphere.

There will be live wheel-throwing demos on all of the four market days, so you can get up close and see lumps of clay transform into beautiful pottery. For anyone who would like to get hands-on involved with clay, there will be drop-in workshops at the Leyton market on the 23rd and 24th of November.

Each year Turning Earth makers donate special pieces and seconds to raise money for organisations that reflect Turning Earth's vision of building a community with open arms. This year, we’re supporting the potters and craftspeople affected by the recent hurricanes in the Southeast US through the charity CERF+. Look for the charity stall at the market.

2-3 December 2023 Turning Earth Highgate 11-5pm

Turning Earth's Winter Market, now a decade’s long tradition, will once again be opening its doors and showcasing its vast array of exceptional handmade ceramics and setting up another entertaining seasonal weekend bonanza for the whole family to enjoy. Nestled in the beautiful, ancient wood of Highgate, we will again invite you to explore our N6 studio and surroundings.

This year, the event has grown even bigger and will feature over 110 of our talented ceramic makers, who, over the course of the weekend, will be displaying their wares and you will get the opportunity to purchase some of their vibrant and unique ceramic work; the perfect occasion for some Christmas shopping  - or even just an indulgent gift for yourself.

The market this year is delighted to welcome back The Turbans, or, as they define themselves: “International Musical Collective from Manywhere”. Enjoy their lively multi-genre instrumentals and vocals that will get your toes tapping and heads nodding as you enjoy the day, browse, have a bite and a drink, and chat with the makers. We will serve mulled wine and barista coffees to keep you warm.

Sourdough Daali, a micro-bakery and street food pop-up, will let you indulge in some hearty sourdough focaccia sarnies - grilled cheese and lamb shawarma, French-onion black daal and baked goods such as cardamom banana bread and brown butter flapjacks. Next to them, Susie of Shakti Cafe will offer savoury and sweet crepes and vegetarian Buddha bowls.

For those curious about the art of ceramics, our cherished, expert teachers will give wheel-throwing demonstrations, providing a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process and showing you what you might learn in one of our courses.

16-17 September Turning Earth Tottenham 11-5pm

Get ready to immerse yourself in a world of artistic mastery and creative inspiration as the highly anticipated Turning Earth Ceramics Market returns to Crawley Road on September 16th and 17th. This two-day event promises to be a celebration of craftsmanship, culture, and community, featuring a stunning array of over 80 talented makers showcasing their unique handmade ceramics.

‍Event Highlights:

‍Artisan Showcase: The Ceramics Market will host a diverse assembly of 80 skilled artisans from across the four Turning Earth studios, all gathered under one roof to showcase their exquisite handmade ceramics. From intricate pottery to awe-inspiring sculptures, visitors can expect to discover an assortment of artistic treasures. In a world driven by mass production, finding unique, ethically and locally crafted treasures has become a true delight. The pieces you will find at the market are also a testament to time-honoured techniques, creativity, and the genuine connections that are established between the maker and the buyer. When you choose handmade ceramics, you're not just acquiring a beautiful item; you're investing in a story that reflects the rich heritage of our local artistic community.‍

Live Music and Culinary Delights: The ambiance of the event will be further enhanced by live folk music performances by the critically-acclaimed singer-songwriter Theo Bard. Attendees can also taste a selection of street food offerings from the new Bolland & Crust Café, who have organised a special menu for the weekend. Craft beer, wine and a special tiki-style cocktail bar are on the pipeline too! ‍

Demonstrations and Interactive Experiences: The Ceramics Market is not just an exhibition; it's an opportunity to engage and learn. Admire the magic of the potter's craft with throwing and handbuilding demonstrations, and for those feeling adventurous, the "have-a-go wheel" offers a chance to try pottery-making under the guidance of our expert teachers.

But that's not all! The entire Crawley Road area will come alive with the Open Studios Weekend. Explore a vibrant tapestry of creativity as art exhibitions, boutique market stalls, more music and food sparkle the neighbourhood. Families can partake in a variety of kid-friendly activities, such as face painting, “have a go” workshops and flower crown making, ensuring that every member of the community can share in the joy of this cultural celebration.

24-25 June 2023 Turning Earth Leyton 11-5pm

On 24/25 June, Turning Earth will be holding a huge artisan ceramics market in our members’ studio on Argall Avenue, Leyton E10. There will be over 100 artists selling their hand-made ceramic wares over the course of the weekend. Come and stroll around the beautifully converted industrial building just down the road from Lea Bridge station, and browse through the work of over 100 ceramic artists. With live music from local musician, Zoot Lynam and locally made artisanal food sold alongside beautiful tableware and sculpture, it is all set to be a wonderful summer weekend - perfect for a day out!

Being regularly featured in Time Out and the Evening Standard and popular now all over London, the market is an East London gem, with people coming from all over the capital to buy hand-made ceramics directly from the maker.

Aside from the many hand-made wonders on sale, visitors will be able to watch live demonstrations as our members will be showcasing their skills on the potter’s wheel.

Turning Earth's Summer Market will again be part of the Argall Ave Open Studios. The entire Argall Avenue industrial estate has undergone a dramatic transformation in recent years, with a wide variety of artisan businesses, with everything from hand-made furniture, craft beer and sourdough baking.

In 2017, Dominic Wilder, the visionary behind MentmoreStudios, refurbished an old hardware factory in the Argall Ave industrial estate to establish a new home for creative businesses in small-scale production.

11 Argall Avenue now houses some of the East London's most exciting makers, including carpentry businesses WilderCreative, and thinkFOUND, artisan bakery Pavilion, and open-access ceramics studios, Turning Earth.  On the weekend of 24/25 June, the businesses will open their doors to demonstrate the breadth of making processes taking place under one roof and to show visitors some of the beautiful objects being created on-site.‍

WILDER CREATIVE Designs and makes bespoke furniture and fitted joinery for high end residential and commercial markets.

‍Furnishing Futures Furnishing futures helps women and children who are living with furniture poverty, because having a comfortable home supports wellbeing and helps to break the cycle of poverty.

‍SASA Works The artistic works of Craig Bamford, artist architect designer and master craftsman.

‍Studio Hako Studio Hako is a design and build construction company specialising in modern commercial and residential projects.

‍thinkFOUND Is an environmentally conscious furniture company making tables to order using reclaimed wood.

‍PAVILION BAKERY Uses the spices of Sri Lanka to enrich locally-sourced ingredients with a flavour of past adventures. It's fresh loaves hit the shelves warm and are sold on the day.

1-2 April 2023 Turning Earth Highgate 11-5pm

Turning Earth markets are back for another celebration of hand-made ceramics with our spring makers’ market the weekend of the 1st/2nd April in our Highgate studio.

Come and wander around the beautifully renovated 1930s industrial building just minutes’ walk from the Highgate station, and browse through the work of over 100 ceramic artists. With live classical guitar music and locally made artisanal food sold alongside beautiful tableware and sculpture, it's a great excuse for a day out shopping. It's also a sure way to buy ethically - every pot sold at Turning Earth has been made locally, by hand, by someone who loves what they do.

Turning Earth's markets are the biggest of their kind in the UK. A not-to-be-missed opportunity to pick up ceramic treats for yourself and gifts for your friends. There will be live demos of pots being thrown on the wheel so you can come and experience a real-life working pottery studio.

15/16 Oct 2022 Turning Earth Highgate 11-5pm

Turning Earth opens its fourth London ceramics centre  - this time in Highgate - with a weekend maker market on 15/16 October.  Nose around the beautifully renovated 1930s industrial building complete with contemplative garden, and browse work from a hundred of London’s up and coming ceramicists.

Show solidarity with local makers as they express their creativity in the face of the energy crisis and rub off some of the peace that comes with working with the calming medium of clay.

As usual, there’ll be street food and live Klezma music, and - inspired by the Spring’s #CookForUkraine campaign - this time they’ll be selling specially donated wares to raise money for displaced children supported by UNICEF as part of  #MakeForUkraine.

4/5 Dec Turning Earth Leyton 12-6pm
18/19 Dec Turning Earth Haringey Launch 12-6pm

After a long wait, the Turning Earth Ceramics Markets are returning this year, as we get together to celebrate the creativity that comes from crisis and reflect on the changes to our lives and making practices that the disruption of the pandemic brought with it.

The pandemic has impacted our making practices in many ways: while some have had more time to reflect and to make, others have been thrown into childcare and had little time for themselves at all. Wheel throwers have tried handbuilding techniques when their studios were shuttered, while some other makers have turned to the kitchen cupboards to find tools to experiment with when they couldn't leave their homes.

And many, many ceramics lovers have been unable to see work in person - to examine or touch it, let alone meet the maker, as shopping moved online.

So, with a great hurrah, we are happy to announce that we will be holding two in-person, real-life markets this year, where our makers will be selling work made during and since the lockdowns.

The first market in Turning Earth Leyton will be held on the weekend of 4/5 December, and the second in our new site in Haringey on the weekend of 18/19 December. As always with our markets there'll also be live music and street food and mulled wine to buy. Come and make a day of it.