Dimbleby Ceramics

Dimbleby Ceramics runs from a unit inside the Longton Exchange, set up by Mathew and Rachel Dimbleby, both raised in Stoke-on-Trent. Rachel paints the studio's own range of mugs, coasters and hanging hearts, drawing many of the animal designs from wildlife seen in the woods behind the workshop. The studio doubles as a public pottery-painting space, where visitors choose a piece of bisque ware, decorate it at a table on site, and leave it to be glazed and fired before collection. Beginner wheel-throwing lessons run for two to three hours, alongside longer full-day courses and hand-building sessions for those who prefer not to use the wheel. The Dimblebys make a point of using local suppliers for clay and glaze materials rather than sourcing everything from national ceramics wholesalers, keeping much of the supply chain within the city.