Fatclay Pottery is a family-run pottery studio, art gallery and art school based at 67 Castle Road, Southsea, Portsmouth PO5 3AY. There is also a second location at Pitt Hill Lane, Hambledon, PO7 4SG, with workshops and courses available across both sites. The studio is led by Matt Bugeja, a trained industrial designer who returned to ceramics during the 2020 pandemic after more than 20 years in the creative industry. He makes functional stoneware by hand, firing each piece twice, and the gallery includes his work alongside pieces by other local artists.
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The main appeal is the range of practical sessions, whether you are starting from scratch or already have some experience. Wheel Throwing Tasters start at £65, while a six-hour Wheel Throwing One-Day Beginners to Improvers session costs from £130. There are also Hand Building – Making + Decorating sessions for £45, Drop-In Guided Sessions from £20, and a Private Wheel Throwing session for £75. For something less formal, Wine & Pot and the distinctive Boobie Pot Workshop both last two hours and cost £45. The latter grew from Matt’s original idea of making breast-shaped jars, which led to the BoobieBu shop and remains one of Fatclay’s more unusual activities. Couples can book a Date Night Wheel Throwing session for £140, while children can try hand building from age five and the potter’s wheel from age seven. Kids’ sessions, clubs and parties are also available.
Fatclay also offers Open Access memberships for people who want regular studio time, plus gift vouchers from £25. At the Makers Guild Pottery Studio in Portsmouth Guildhall, its programme includes a £45, 2.5-hour Wheel Thrown Pottery Short Class and six-week courses priced at £250. The studio is involved in Portsmouth’s annual Empty Bowls fundraiser, helping make and fire bowls for an event supporting charitable projects at St Simon’s Church. With a reported 5/5 rating from 215 reviews, Fatclay seems particularly suited to anyone who wants to make something themselves rather than simply browse ceramics. It is sensible to check the official website for current workshop dates, availability and booking details before travelling.
Published Date
14 August 2026
