Bury St Edmunds pottery studio, shop and café, Claire’s House, launches at Barton Road Trading Estate after move from Churchgate Street

More than 200 people attended the grand opening of a pottery studio, shop and café following its relocation to a new site.

Claire’s House opened its doors at 1b Barton Road Trading Estate, Bury St Edmunds, on Saturday, after moving from Churchgate Street, in the town centre.

The opening event, over two days included a studio tour, drinks, nibbles, goody bags, pottery painting, play with clay, shop ceramics and demonstrations.

The popular studio, run by Claire Douglas, offers classes in pottery wheel throwing, hand-building, pottery painting and other creative disciplines, has more than tripled in size from 750 sq ft to 2,500 sq ft.

Staff numbers has also doubled from three to seven.

Claire, a former King Edward VI School art teacher, said: “I was amazed by the turnout on both days. It was brilliant.

“People absolutely love the new venue. It has more room, more equipment, including a specialist glazing room.

“I was delighted that everyone felt it still had that homely, warm feel that we had in our previous location, too.”

The grand opening weekend was held between 11am and 3am on Saturday and Sunday, and also included a prize raffle.

The studio now also features a 20-seater café after the business linked up with Butterworth & Son coffee roasters.

The shop will focus on selling ceramics work by staff and members.

Claire originally launched the studio in December 22. It’s motto is: To live creatively.

It offers a choice of courses, taster sessions, hand building drop in sessions, pottery painting, open studio sessions and memberships.

“We have built up quite a community since we launched with many people of all ages enjoying learning the art of pottery, which is fantastic,” said Claire.

“I’m looking forward to working at the new location. It was great to see everyone at the weekend and thanks to everyone for coming.”