Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Ceramic Supplies Since 1932 Stoke-on-Trent
Established in 1932, Potclays has built an unparalleled reputation as a family-run ceramic supply company serving potters worldwide. With over 90 years of industry expertise, we specialise in premium clays, glazes, kilns, and pottery tools, combining traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation. Our panmilled clay blends, produced using heritage machinery from Cadbury's chocolate production, offer unique plasticity and consistency trusted by artists and educators globally. As authorised importers for leading brands like Mayco and Shimpo, we provide access to cutting-edge ceramic technology alongside our own award-winning products.Our commitment extends beyond supply through 'Educlaytion' initiatives supporting ceramics in education, including graduate awards and curriculum resources. With UK-based manufacturing of kilns since 1983 and a comprehensive stock of raw materials, we ensure technical excellence across our offerings. From studio potters to industrial clients, our team delivers expert advice, technical support, and delivery solutions tailored to diverse ceramic needs.
Services
Ceramic Clays
Glazes
Kiln Manufacturing
Pottery Tools
Educational Support
Details
- Year established: 1932
Highlights and features
- Family heritage spanning four generations in ceramic manufacturing
- Exclusive importer of Mayco, Shimpo and L&L Kilns in the UK
- Manufacture kilns with 40+ years engineering expertise
- Pioneered educational support through 'Educlaytion' initiatives
- Unique clay production using heritage Cadbury chocolate machinery
What people say
Consistently happy service
Great communication
Knowledgeable staff
Excellent support
Prompt assistance
Services
Ceramic Clays
We produce specialist clays using traditional panmilling techniques inherited from Cadbury's chocolate production machinery. Our range includes buff stoneware, white earthenware, and grogged bodies suitable for throwing and sculpting. Clay bodies are available in plastic, sliphoused, and blended formats with controlled moisture content for consistent results. Each formulation balances workability with firing performance to meet diverse artistic requirements.
Kiln Manufacturing
Since 1983 we've engineered custom kilns for educational and industrial applications, ranging from 12-litre laboratory models to 2 cubic metre industrial units. Our engineering team builds to exact specifications with in-house element production and comprehensive spare parts inventory. Specialised designs accommodate specific firing techniques including raku and soda firing while maintaining energy efficiency and safety standards.
Glazes
Our glaze portfolio includes powdered and ready-mixed formulations for all firing temperatures from cone 06 to 10. Products range from foundational transparent glazes to special effect varieties like Mayco's Jungle Gems crystals. Technical support covers mixing ratios, suspension agents, and application techniques to ensure optimal results. We also supply underglazes, oxides, and decorating tools for surface decoration.
Educational Support
Through our 'Educlaytion' mission we actively promote ceramics in schools and universities. This includes graduate awards, curriculum resources, and discounted educational supplies. We collaborate with the National Society for Education in Art & Design to develop teaching materials and provide technical advice for classroom implementation. Annual graduate showcases highlight emerging ceramic talent supported by our initiatives.
Tools & Accessories
We supply comprehensive tools from leading brands including Xiem, Mudtools, and Shimpo. Product range covers wheel-throwing implements, handbuilding tools, and decorating accessories. Specialist items include Raku tongs, measuring instruments, and personal protective equipment. Starter kits combine essential tools with clay and glazes for beginners at different skill levels, with options for handbuilding and wheel-throwing techniques.
Questions
What ceramic materials do you specialise in?
We specialise in panmilled clays, stoneware glazes, and kiln manufacturing with global distribution of leading brands.
Do you offer educational resources?
Yes, our 'Educlaytion' initiative provides curriculum support, graduate awards, and discounted educational supplies.
What delivery options are available?
We offer worldwide delivery with standard UK mainland shipping included on all starter kits.
Can I visit your Stoke-on-Trent premises?
Our showroom is open Monday-Friday 10:00-15:00 and Saturday mornings by prior arrangement.
Do you manufacture kilns?
Yes, we've produced custom kilns since 1983 with engineering expertise spanning four decades.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept major credit/debit cards and bank transfers for all product purchases.
Videos
