Pottery Capital

If you've been searching most of your life for true inner peace, you'll be delighted to learn that it can now be found in The Barn at Christchurch's New Brighton Mall. Pottery Capital is a light and earthy space decorated with the eclectic creations of its growing community of amateur craftspeople. Here, creativity and catharsis, mean getting your hands dirty through classes, courses, and casual paint-and-sip sessions for anyone looking to well and truly unwind.

Co-owner Sam Quinn discovered pottery during his final year studying Fine Arts, finding in it a grounding, tactile counterpoint to digital photography. And after a serendipitous series of events, he and two other artisans now offer their knowledge and know-how from their self-titled 'studio by the sea'.

The studio feels open and inviting. Walk down the red-bricked lane running through their character corner of the mall, and you'll find it hard not to stop and admire the palette inside. Simple shelving displays rows of handmade wares; bowls, mugs, plates, plus whimsical creatures, while wooden workbenches and a modest six potter's wheels make for an intimate working atmosphere that's both functional and welcoming.

Alongside Sam, co-owner Andrea Peacock guides students through the art of glazing and ceramic painting. Classes cater to all levels, from taster sessions to deep-dive six-week courses, but it's the Thursday Members' Night that supplements the studio's soul. Beyond their weekly meetings, this group of local potters uses the space as an escape, be it from the office or whatever else weighs on their mind, popping in throughout the week to work at their own pace.

When they do, they’ll likely be hand-shaping next to Sam anyway. He’s in most days working on signature pieces, soon to be available both in-store and online, adding to the evolving retail offering that celebrates both process and product.

By the beach, and channelling the serenity that such a location affords, Pottery Capital seems destined to live up to its name.