Pottery in Melbourne: Why Choose Mayfield Studios?
Melbourne’s full of great places to get muddy — but not all studios are created equal. Some are sleek and structured. Others are cosy and chaotic (in a good way).
At Mayfield Studios, we sit happily at the messier, warmer end of the scale. We’re artist-run, idea-friendly, and totally unpretentious — a place where beginners, tinkerers, experimenters, and returning potters are equally welcome.
Here’s how we compare with some of the other local favourites.
Location & Studio Atmosphere
Mayfield Studios (Abbotsford)
Tucked away near Johnston Street, Mayfield is just a tram ride from Fitzroy or the CBD. Our light-filled space is full of charm — part studio, part kitchen table energy. We play music. We chat. We let the clay (and the conversation) do its thing.
Other Studios
Studios like Wheelhouse, Clay Talk, and Diana Ceramics often have polished industrial setups. They’re well-equipped and professional, but if you’re after quirky charm and human warmth, Mayfield has you covered.
Beginner-Friendly (Really.)
Mayfield
This is our thing. You don’t need to know anything about clay to come here — seriously. Our teachers are friendly, flexible, and interested in what you want to make. Ask questions. Make weird things. Laugh when your pot flops. We love it.
Other Studios
Studios like Slow Clay or Robert Gordon offer beautiful structured courses. Great for learning, but sometimes a little more formal.
Classes with Personality
Mayfield
Wheel throwing classes that don’t take themselves too seriously
Hand-building with freedom to explore your own ideas
Our legendary Clay Soirée: think clay, candles, music, and snacks — like a dinner party with mud.
Other Studios
Most offer wheel classes, and some do hand-building. Social nights vary — but few offer the kind of curated, creative atmosphere we bring to our soirées.
The Vibe
Mayfield
Warm. Quirky. Inclusive. A little bit rogue (in a good way). You’ll meet people from all walks of life. You’ll hear laughter, clinking mugs, and maybe a playlist that switches from Nina Simone to 90s hip hop.
We’re also proudly politics-free — a space to unplug, make something with your hands, and leave the noise behind. No agendas. No pressure. Just clay, conversation, and community.
Other Studios
Some studios are more structured or quiet. Some have a more production-style feel. All have their charm — but ours is unapologetically human.
Inclusive & Accessible
Mayfield Studios proudly welcomes NDIS participants. Whether you’re self-managed or plan-managed, we’re happy to work with you (or your support team) to arrange classes that suit your needs.
We believe creativity should be available to everyone. That’s why we offer a relaxed, no-pressure studio environment where people of all abilities and neurotypes feel safe and supported.
Have questions about access or support? Get in touch.
What’s Included?
Our classes include:
All materials + firings
Aprons, tools, and clay
Encouragement. Curiosity. Mess.
Tea, tunes, and good company.
We’re competitively priced and community-minded — we want you to keep coming back, not just come once.
Hear It from Our Students
"The vibe is unmatched — like hanging out with friends who just happen to teach you how to centre clay."
"So laid-back and welcoming. No pressure. No perfectionism."
"The Clay Soirée was hands down the best night I’ve had in ages."
So, Why Choose Mayfield?
If you’re after:
A relaxed, artist-run studio in Melbourne’s inner north
Beginner-friendly classes where it’s OK to get it wrong
A creative, social atmosphere (with snacks)
Real people who love pottery and community
…then Mayfield Studios might be your clay kind of place.
Come Get Muddy
Explore our:
Or just say hi. We’re always happy to chat.
