Turning Earth launched in 2013 to bring a community ceramics makerspace model to London that had been developing in the US, subsequently inspiring similar studios both in the UK and worldwide. Operating as a social enterprise, Turning Earth believes the future will see participation replacing consumerism as the most important driver of economies, increasing both wellbeing and environmental sustainability.

There are four sites across North and East London in Hoxton, Leyton, Highgate, and their professional makers studio "In Production" on the Argall Avenue industrial estate. Each studio provides open, airy hubs that can accommodate hundreds of makers each month, offering professional-grade equipment including pottery wheels, kilns, slab rollers, and comprehensive firing services.

Turning Earth empowers people to make things they use every day by hand, share these skills, and sell locally made products within their community, supporting a collaborative working model that makes craft available to all. Their educational approach fosters a supportive community where beginners work alongside trained artists without course requirements or restrictions on creative freedom.

Why we love them:

• Community: Reinventing the maker space ✓

• Circular economy: Partnership with HOST to repurpose waste into new items ✓

• Educational: Promoting creativity into everyday life ✓

• Social Enterprise: Social enterprise ✓

• Waste: Waste reduction protocol - aiming to reduce and reuse as much clay as possible ✓

• Waste Management: Recycling initiatives and policies ✓

• Water Conservation: Three-bucket water system to reduce water usage ✓

What’s on offer: Open-access pottery studios with professional equipment / Beginner to advanced ceramics courses / Flexible monthly memberships with up to 15 hours weekly access / Community events including ceramics markets and Roman kiln firings / Professional incubator space for emerging makers

Opening hours: Flexible access during opening hours for members / Class schedules vary by location