Fred Aldous

read moreOur story began in Manchester in 1886 with a man called Fred. Fred had two things - a bright idea and a cracking beard. Fred had been working in a cotton mill, like many people in the city at the time, when he noticed that the cotton was being trundled around in baskets. It gave him the idea for a business; he would start importing the cane for the baskets from abroad. Fred Aldous Ltd was born out of that idea. We began selling craft products when Fred the Second (Fred the First's son) spotted that the city's cotton industry was declining.

read moreWe love creating with clay! If you are lucky enough to have access to a kiln, the Red Terracotta Clay and Buff School Clay are very similar in texture and are great to use if you are just starting out. If you would like to work your home or studio, then air drying clay looks and feels virtually the same as kiln fired clay; most projects will easily dry overnight and can be painted or glazed any way you wish. Oven baked clay is great at achieving professional looking results for making anything from jewellery, homewares or model making.

read moreWe offer creative services in the heart of Manchester's Northern Quarter. FA Studios was born out of our passion for helping people make things. Our dedicated team of technicians and designers can help you realise your creative projects no matter how big or small.