First up, we’ve gone for the old master himself, Pablo Picasso. So prolific was he that mere canvas alone couldn’t contain his never ending stream of creativity. Eventually spilling over into the 3-d arena of ceramics, Picasso’s work ranges from bold and colourful to stark and simple.

And, along with the two plates at the top of this post, here’s another Painting Pottery Cafe homage to the man and his work.

Next up is West German Studio Pottery from the 1950′s – 1970′s. Recognisable by distinctive bizzare patterns, garish colours, contrasting textures and geometric shapes this style is also known as ‘Fat Lava’ . Love it or loathe it, it’s guaranteed to inspire.

Last but not least is new kid on the pottery block, Grayson Perry. Referencing both Greek and folk ceramic traditions, he decorates his pots with words and pictures with every vessel telling an individual story.

So, drop us a line and book yourself a painting pottery slot to create your very own masterpiece.

Seeing as we’re quite loved up at the moment, we’ve decided to give a 10% discount on all bookings made for between now and the 14th Feb. Whether it’s a gift for someone else, or a loving treat to yourself, we’ve got all the bases covered. Just give us a call or drop us an email (quoting ‘Valentine’s Offer’) to book a session and unleash some cupid style creativity.

It can be as cheesy or as weird as you like….come and paint or throw a pot for Valentine’s Day in Brighton.  Paint your hearts delight on pottery or have a taster throwing session for two.

And to the women out there – it’s that chance to ask your partner that big question!

We are looking for the most romantic gesture at The Painting Pottery Cafe. Toby’s proposal is a hard act to follow – come on girls don’t let us down!

Whether you would like to paint a surprise or bring your partner in for a special treat for valentines – give us a call or send an email and we will do our best to make it special.

We also have some beautiful ceramics by Sarah Vossmar,  soft toys by Emma Hicks and prints from Marion Prentice.

A new 3 week throwing course with Hazel starts on the Wednesday 7th March.  Email for more information.

We just had a first…Toby asked Jess to marry him and she said yes!  It was a tearful moment all round.  Toby had booked yesterday to come and paint with his girlfriend.  They arrived this afternoon and both chose skulls.  Toby painted lots of words on the skull before finally writing “Marry Me“.  He showed Jess and then presented her with the ring.  Jess beamed and said yes…phew!

I love this place.  Its always full of surprises but never has anything made us feel so elated and frankly I can’t stop smiling. So a Big CONGRATULATIONS to Toby and Jess.  I hope that this moment lasts forever.

If you fancy proposing…marriage…holiday…new car…baby…by painting pottery – just get in touch and we will do our best to help!

Cold and damp days…but you would like a bit of sunshine?  Come and paint those blues away at The Painting Pottery Cafe.  You can paint anything from a cereal bowl or teapot to a large platter or dinosaur.  You might be thinking of a gift or simply to treat yourself.

We love these stunning pieces painted by Sally and her friend from Horsham.

Our paints are non-toxic and water based so are suitable for babies and young children too.  With half term school holidays just around the corner – not to mention Valentine’s – its a good time to book some painting pottery time.

We are also running lots of taster session throwing workshops.  And some Valentine Specials – throwing, painting and a little nibble.

Hazel will also be starting a 3 week throwing course after half term. You can learn to throw a tall pot, and a jug or mug and how to finish them professionally.

Please email me if you would like more information or to book your throwing session.

Still wondering what to buy for Christmas? Friends and family asking you what you would like?

Gift Vouchers for painting or throwing pottery make wonderful presents.  You get to spend a couple of hours having fun, relaxing and learning something new.  Better still you have your own masterpiece to show for it!

Gift Vouchers can be purchased from the shop or you can buy them over the phone with a card and we will post them for you.

Christmas Opening Times

We will be closed on 24th December and re-open 28th December.

We will be closed on 1st & 2nd January.

Have a great Christmas and a Very Happy New Year!

Our latest exhibition provides beautiful gift ideas for friends and family.  Marion’s paintings provide wonderful images of  the countryside and nature.  She has produced some fine prints all available framed or unframed from just £45.

We also have some of Emma Hick’s soft toys (not just for the kids!) and hand painted ceramics.

And its not too late to commission a special piece for Xmas.  Or better still come and paint your own unique gift.  We have a friendly team who can help you with your design.

The painting pottery party season is underway!  Sussex university spent an afternoon painting all sorts – including a jolly Father Christmas for the tree. They kindly wrote:

Thank you for the lovely afternoon we had at your cafe yesterday.  The team have been enthusing about how much they enjoyed the event.

For those who are a bit nervous for their first time we have lots of books with ideas and images you can trace.  There are special group packages available or you can choose from about 200 ceramic pieces. It’s a great way to spend time with colleagues and friends – and you get to paint your Christmas presents too!

It’s that time of the year again when everyone is scratching their heads about what to get as gifts, dreading that Christmas crush and wondering where to have their Christmas Party.

The Painting Pottery Cafe can help!  Whether you want baby footprints, to paint something special for a favourite person or to hold your Christmas Party, we love this time of the year.

We can even organise a sewing class for your unique  Christmas Decorations. Emma is starting workshops on Monday evenings to help you make a fabulous Christmas Stocking.

Get in touch for more information or see our party page for special Christmas Party Packages

White Night is on this Saturday – 29th October.  We had a brilliant time last year and rated it the best event in Brighton.  We were inspired to contribute ourselves this year.  Although we thought about letting people have a go at throwing a pot throughout the night – I have to confess we also thought about the clearing up!

We will be showing a film that we have put together featuring some of the great potters of the early 20th century which also helps depict our version of Utopia.

We have also included a few frames of our new potter Hazel.  We think we have found a very talented young woman and will look forward to seeing her work grow and develop.

We will be projecting the film – c30 minutes – into both windows of the shop.  We hope you enjoy it.

And if you feel inspired to have a go we have 3 great teachers – Sarah, Hazel and Alice. Look at our workshop page for more information.  Call or email The Painting Pottery Cafe to book a session for yourself or as a group.