Southsea's Fatclay Pottery opens second studio in Hambledon as it thanks customers for support
‘Opening a second studio is something we’ve worked towards for a long time’
A ceramic studio which opened in Southsea 2024 has expanded to second venue after ‘overwhelming support’ from its customers.
Fatclay Pottery has become a fixture in Castle Road but has now opened a second studio on Rushmere Farm in Hambledon. The new site offers the business the chance to introduce more people to ceramics with wheel throwing, hand-building workshops, memberships, and creative classes available which are popular in the Southsea studio.
The country location has enabled Fatclay Pottery to offer unique experiences such as Raku firing, full-day and weekend pottery retreats, and collaborations with the local vineyard Hambledon Wine Estate.
Founder Matthew Bugeja said: “We’ve been overwhelmed by the support we’ve received since opening in Southsea. Opening a second studio is something we’ve worked towards for a long time. We wanted to create another inspiring space where people can enjoy pottery, whether they’re trying it for the first time or developing their skills.
“Being able to expand also means we can continue growing our work with schools, charities, and community groups, which has become a really important part of what we do.”
Since opening in Southsea the studio has worked closely with local schools, colleges, charities, and community organisations, delivering workshops and introducing hundreds of people of all ages and abilities to benefits of working with clay.