About Mayfield Studios
Where clay meets community…
Meet the Team
Sally Ninham - Writer, ceramicist, and studio co-founder. Sally brings storytelling and soul to the studio, shaping not just clay but also community.
Michael Ninham - Wood craftsman and studio co-founder, tea maker and all-around friend, Michael (and his dog Scruffy) is the one people turn to when things fall apart.
Emma McKay - Studio Manager, teacher and the most caring person on the planet, Emma is the one to turn to when everything goes rogue and you need a practical way forward.
Nathan, Mariya and Tina - Our Studio Technicians. We couldn’t function without them, and they never get enough press!
Juliet and Our Instructors - We’re lucky to work with a rotating cast of talented ceramicists who specialise in wheel work, handbuilding, glazing techniques, and creative coaching. Each brings their spark and energy to our excellent and inclusive space.
Our Story
Mayfield Studios began as a sibling dream. Sally and Michael Ninham restored a light-filled warehouse on Mayfield Street, transforming it into a space where people from all walks of life could reconnect with making. With a potter's wheel, a few benches, and an obsession with clay, the studio quickly grew into a vibrant hub for artists, dabblers, and everyone in between.
From its first community teapot workshop to today's regular classes, Mayfield is about more than pottery—it's about creating moments, friendships, and quiet revolutions in craft.
Our Space
Tucked into the heart of Abbotsford, our studio is full of warm light, good conversation, and the gentle rhythm of making. We’ve got wheels, tools, glazes—and always a kettle on.
Come in, say hello, and see what you might shape with us.
"I didn’t just learn to make bowls—I found my rhythm again."
“I thought I’d like to do some of the things I enjoy, and then I thought maybe someone else would like to do something they enjoy too.”
“What, like the tea is free?! No way!”
In the Media
Mayfield Studios has caught the eye of Melbourne’s cultural and creative scene, earning praise from some of the city’s most trusted guides and event curators:
- Concrete Playground — “A ceramics studio that feels like a warm kitchen party where creativity flows.”
- Best in Melbourne — Ranked among Melbourne’s best pottery classes.
- Urban List — Featured in their roundup of top creative escapes.
- ClassBento — Listed as one of the Top Pottery Studios in Melbourne.
- Eventbrite — Hosting everything from masterclasses to laid-back soirees.
- WeTeachMe — A favourite among beginners and professionals alike.