FARNHAM Pottery will launch a raft of new classes this autumn for all those inspired by the upcoming second series of the BBC’s Great Pottery Throw Down.

The historic pottery, in Quennells Hill, Wrecclesham, saw a huge increase in interest after the first series of ‘Throw Down’ in 2015 which featured one its potters Sally-Jo Forrest.

Filming for a new series has just been completed and it will be on air in the autumn.

To handle the increasing demand for ceramics and pottery in the area, Farnham Pottery-based charity 318 Ceramics is planning more classes, hopefully to include weekend courses, as well as investing in new kilns and facilities.

The announcement also comes on the back of the recent Heritage Open Days which again saw many visitors exploring the pottery buildings and hearing about its history.

Farnham Pottery was built in 1872 and is one of the few surviving Victorian potteries. While it ceased trading as a commercial pottery in 2000, it has become a centre for arts and making. Sir Terrance Conran was a student potter who practised there.

It is now the home of two pottery organisations. 318 Ceramics (named after the old phone number of the pottery) is a charity aiming to strengthen its connections with Farnham’s University for the Creative Arts and other ceramics specialists worldwide to become a centre for ceramics skills and education.

It has a number of resident artists and runs courses and workshops for beginners to experts. For example, it is holding an architectural ceramics symposium on October 1 and 2 with leading speakers and demonstrations.

West Street Potters occupies the other half of the pottery. It’s a long established and highly successful organisation that also runs courses and provides an inspiring environment for students to further develop their skills.

With the continued growth, 318 Ceramics is also keen to attract new volunteers and trustees – particularly with experience in marketing.

Anyone interested in getting involved, or looking for more information, is asked to contact Fiona Knight on 07468 696620 or visit the website www.318ceramics.co.uk.