Description
The Art of Repair: A Traditional Kintsugi Workshop Group size: Maximun 10 participants Price: £450 early bird rate, £500 from January Dates: Saturday 7th February – 4th April
The Philosophy
Kintsugi is more than repair: it is a philosophy of beauty in imperfection, patience, and transformation. Over nine weeks, you will work slowly and carefully with your hands in a process that is both meditative and practical. At first, it feels like solving a puzzle, carefully placing each fragment. Later, it becomes almost alchemical, as seams of lacquer are transformed with gold. By the end, you will hold a once-broken vessel, now elegantly repaired, food-safe, and stronger than before. This is an intensive class, but no prior experience is needed. All that’s required is patience, focus, and a willingness to commit to the process.
What You Will Do
- Repair from start to finish: Learn every meticulous stage of authentic kintsugi, from preparation to polishing gold.
- Transform one vessel: Complete a single piece by the end, usable, lasting, and uniquely your own.
- Work with authenticity: Use traditional materials and tools, including urushi lacquer and real gold. Important: urushi lacquer is highly reactive. If you react strongly to poison ivy/oak or have a cashew allergy, this craft may not be suitable. PPE will be provided.
- Engage with history and philosophy: Explore the cultural roots, science, and meaning behind the craft.
- Choose your piece: Bring your own broken ceramic, or work with a sourced piece. Tip: select a manageable break, not too many fragments. Unsure? Contact us for advice.
What Makes This Course Different
- Preserves the complete, traditional kintsugi method, slow, precise, and deeply rewarding, unlike most modernised workshops.
- Small groups (Maximum 10 students) ensure dedicated, individual attention.
- Benefit from Kira Smith’s decade of practice, enriched by upcoming intensive training in Japan, bringing fresh techniques and insights back to London.
- Held in-person at County Hall Pottery, a studio designed for focus, care, and creativity.
The Practicalities
- Length: 9 weeks
- Session time: 1.5–3 hours per week, depending on the stage of the process
- Location: County Hall Pottery, London
- Outcome: One complete, food-safe, usable repaired piece to take home
- Price: £450 (early bird rate), rising to £500 from January
About the Instructor
Kira Smith has been practising kintsugi for almost a decade, growing from self-taught beginnings into a craftsperson dedicated to tradition. In 2025 she will train intensively in Japan, supported by a Developing Your Creative Practice grant from the Arts Council. While this workshop is independently run, the training ensures that the tools, techniques, and insights she brings back are rooted in authenticity. This course marks Kira’s first fully traditional programme, building on years of teaching experience. Students often describe her as patient, open, and reassuring—a teacher who makes this intricate craft approachable while holding space for its depth.
“Kira’s infectious passion for kintsugi, extensive knowledge, and beautifully prepared sessions created a captivating learning environment.” – ClassBento “She guided us with so much patience, care, and passion. We left not only with our repaired pieces, but with a deeper appreciation for the beauty in imperfection.” – ClassBento
*Safety note: Urushi is a strong allergen, it’s the active compound in poison ivy. Proper ventilation will be important, and students will be required to sign waivers. Those with allergies to cashews or related compounds may be at higher risk.
All classes will take place in our pottery studio at: County Hall Pottery, Belvedere Road, Waterloo, SE1 7PB.
A welcome email with further instructions about what to expect before your class is sent around a week before your class commences. This email will be sent to the email provided at booking.
Your instructor will meet you in the foyer of the main entrance to County Hall Pottery on Belvedere Road – you’ll know you’re in the right place if you’re standing on the beautiful mosaic floor! They will take you through to our studio space. If you are running late, please call the studio phone when you arrive as you will need to be escorted.
Please feel free to bring a sketchbook or notepad along to make notes during your workshop.
We really hope that you enjoy your workshop with us!
If you have any questions, please see our frequently asked questions page here or contact us at gallery@countyhallpottery.com.linux136.unoeuro-server.com.
Rescheduling, Cancellation And Refund Policy
* For one-day courses, when given 10 or more days’ notice we can either reschedule, refund or generate a gift code for rebooking your class.
* For one-day courses, when given 9 days or less notice for a cancellation for any reason, we regrettably are unable to reschedule or provide a refund. However, you can transfer your place to another individual. Please send us their name in advance.
* For courses longer than one-day, we regret we will not be able to replace or rearrange missed sessions.
* We can only accept one named individual to attend sessions for the duration of a course, individuals cannot transfer their place for any of their sessions.
* Gift Cards are non-refundable
* When an instructor is unable to teach a one-day class, for example due to illness, we will do our best to find an alternative. If that is not possible, you will receive a full refund. Notice of this will be given as soon as possible.
* If a teacher is unable to cover a session on a 6-week course, the session will be covered by an alternative and the class will continue as usual. Notice of this will be given as soon as possible.
Health And Safety Policy
* Pottery is a messy business, so it is advised that you wear clothing that you don’t mind getting dirty. We provide aprons but you are welcome to bring your own.
* Please don’t wear loose clothing or jewellery that might catch and tie up long hair.
* Closed-toe shoes are preferable
* There is no eating inside the studio. Drinking is only permitted from a closed-top vessel. There is a kitchenette that adjoins the studio where eating and drinking are allowed.
* Please let us know if you have any allergies, health or accessibility requirements in good time before the class, by emailing gallery@countyhallpottery.com.linux136.unoeuro-server.com
* We aim to educate and inspire through fun workshops. In order for all participants to enjoy our classes, we retain the right to ask individuals to leave if their conduct is deemed unsafe or offensive.
Arrival And Lateness
* Due to our studio’s location in an historic building, please get in touch before the day of your class if you have any accessibility requirements at gallery@countyhallpottery.com.linux136.unoeuro-server.com
* You will need to meet your instructor at the main entrance of County Hall on Belvedere Road as the journey through the building to our studio is not straightforward! The class will gather in the foyer – you’ll know you’re in the right place if you’re standing on a beautiful mosaic floor! – and you will then be shown to our studio.
* If you are running late and the class has already left the foyer, please call the gallery phone.
Facilities
* Drinking water is provided in the studio, however if you require more sustenance throughout the class please feel free to bring items along.
* Our studio has a small kitchenette you can make use of and there is an array of cafes, restaurants and shops both within County Hall and the surrounding streets.
* Our gallery has a courtyard with tables and chairs that are free to use within gallery opening hours
* Toilets are available for use and adjoin the studio space
