A Hub of Creativity Flourishing in Northampton

Director Ronald Gunn and manager Hope Dimmer run Potz Ceramic Studio. (Image: Northampton Chronicle)

In the heart of Northampton, a creative hub is blossoming. Potz Ceramic Studio, nestled in Glennons Yard at Billing Garden Village, is a thriving pottery painting studio that’s making waves in the local community. Offering a unique, therapeutic experience for all ages and abilities, this family-friendly business is seeing a boom in popularity.

The studio, which has been part of the garden centre for over 17 years, has seen its takings double over the past four years. Director Ronald Gunn and manager Hope Dimmer attribute this success to the studio’s welcoming atmosphere and the therapeutic benefits of pottery painting.

“We offer an experience for everyone,” Hope explains. “It’s a bespoke service for individuals or groups and it doesn’t matter about age. It’s incredibly therapeutic.”

Indeed, the studio’s ethos of ‘creative fun for everyone’ is reflected in its diverse range of pottery. From lanterns, vases, plates and mugs, to figurines and unusual retro designs, there’s something for every creative spirit.

What makes Potz Ceramic Studio truly special is its focus on creating memories. As Hope puts it, “People still have their mugs from when this place first opened. It’s about making memories, not painting pottery.”

The studio has seen a shift in its clientele over the past year. While families and children’s parties were once the mainstay, groups of young adults and couples are now frequent visitors. This shift is a testament to the studio’s universal appeal and the calming, relaxing environment it provides.

Despite the challenges of the pandemic and a less-than-ideal location, Potz Ceramic Studio has not only survived but thrived. Ronald’s proudest achievement is the business’s resilience and growth during these trying times.

Looking ahead, the team has ambitious plans. They hope to open a second site in central Milton Keynes and diversify their offerings with glass creations. More workshops are also in the pipeline, allowing visitors to create their own pottery and paint it.

In the words of Hope, Ronald, a retired 72-year-old with a long history of engineering work, “doesn’t need to do this but he has ambition, drive and a real wish to make other people happy.”

So, whether you’re a seasoned artist or a novice looking to try something new, Potz Ceramic Studio is a must-visit. Come and immerse yourself in the therapeutic world of pottery painting and create memories that will last a lifetime.