Rooted in family, grown in the community – the family business inspiring potters for 25 years

In 1999, a tiny garage in West Didsbury became the birthplace of Manchester’s first pottery teaching studio, Seven Limes Pottery.

It was the vision of Wendy Andrew, an experienced ceramicist trained at Hornsey College of Arts under celebrated mentors Emmanuel Cooper and Mo Jupp.

Named after a striking cluster of lime trees nearby, the studio began with a single potter’s wheel, a mini kiln and a big dream.

Seven Limes Pottery Studio

Fast forward 25 years and Seven Limes is thriving as Manchester’s oldest pottery teaching studio. Having welcomed thousands of budding potters, the studio now marks a major milestone: moving to a larger, more central location in Ardwick, just steps away from Mayfield Park.

This exciting new space, housed in a historic railway arch, reflects not only the growing demand for ceramics in Manchester but also the success of a local family business.

From Garage Beginnings to a Family Legacy

For Wendy Andrew, founding Seven Limes Pottery was a labour of love. What started as a passion project turned into a beloved community hub, offering classes to anyone keen to get their hands messy with clay.

By 2006, the studio had outgrown its original home and moved to the Windrush Millennium Centre in Moss Side, where it remained for nearly two decades.

Over the years, Wendy instilled her love of pottery into her son Sam, who grew up shaping pots alongside his mother.

After a career as a neuropsychologist, Sam found himself drawn back to the art form that had been a constant in his life.

In 2022, he took over the reins of the family business, bringing a fresh perspective and a commitment to continuing his mother’s legacy.

“It’s an incredible privilege to carry on what my mum started,” said Sam.

“When she first set up Seven Limes, no one could have imagined it would grow into a two-generational family business.

This move to Ardwick is an exciting new chapter for us. It allows us to keep growing while staying true to our values of sustainability and community.”

A new home for Manchester’s pottery enthusiasts

The new Ardwick studio is a testament to the pottery’s growth and enduring popularity. Equipped with a larger kiln, additional workspaces, and plenty of room for creativity, the space will enable Seven Limes to expand its offerings. From introductory taster sessions to intensive weekend workshops, the studio caters to everyone, from total beginners to experienced ceramicists.

“More space means we can teach more people, and that’s a wonderful thing,” Sam explained.

“Manchester’s love affair with ceramics is only growing stronger, and we’re proud to be part of that story.”

To celebrate the move and its 25th anniversary, Seven Limes will host a winter open studio sale on December 6th and 7th.

Visitors can browse a selection of handcrafted pottery, ranging from plates and bowls to ornamental pieces, with prices starting at just £10. Highlights include works by students, teachers, and Sam himself, whose signature style—Japanese-inspired nerikomi—features sustainable methods and recycled materials.

Some lucky shoppers might even find seconds from bespoke tableware commissions made for the Michelin-starred Stockport restaurant, Where The Light Gets In.

Keeping community at its heart

Seven Limes Pottery remains deeply rooted in its community ethos. Beyond classes, it provides a welcoming space where people can connect, learn, and create together.

Whether it’s a private session for a team-building event or a six-week beginners’ course, the studio offers something for everyone.

“We’re more than a pottery studio,” Sam shared. “We’re a community where people can relax, learn a new skill, and make friends. That’s what my mum envisioned all those years ago, and it’s what we’re carrying forward.”

As Seven Limes embarks on this new chapter, its journey from a modest garage to a bustling creative hub serves as a shining example of what can happen when a local family business combines passion, resilience, and community spirit.

With its new Ardwick location, the pottery studio is poised to inspire even more Mancunians to discover the joys of working with clay.

Seven Limes Pottery

You can find out more on their website by clicking here