A CLAY academy has been announced as the newest attraction for The Courtyard, which opens at Easter and is quickly drawing artisans from around the area.

A CLAY academy has been announced as the newest attraction for The Courtyard, which opens at Easter and is quickly drawing artisans from around the area.

Susan Holmes, a BA graduate in ceramics, will launch the Clay Academy, producing high quality ceramics, inviting other potters to work within the academy's studio space and offering learning experiences to the public.

The Courtyard is based on Maincross Road and is the brainchild of Joe Larter and Bruce Carter, who have owned the historic former herring industry warehouse buildings south of Great Yarmouth's promenade for a number of years.

Mr Larter, managing the development, announced the latest addition to the mix, saying the formation of the Clay Academy was “a great coup for The Courtyard”.

“We have been looking for a quality ceramics operation to join us. We are trying to put together a collection of artisans all actually working at the centre from Suzie Lindesay who will run The Candle Maker, to The Upstairs Gallery and BlackFriars Brewery, as well as others with whom we are still negotiating.

The development is on target and with its proposed all-year, all-weather covered courtyard area due for completion by early March, we are already attracting bookings for daily and weekend events.”

Susan Holmes said she was very excited at the challenge and potential of a Clay Academy: “This is a new concept in as much as the activities will include the design, creation and marketing of high quality hand-thrown ceramics. A number of potters will be invited to work within the studio and share the excellent facilities.

“I will also be offering a flexible and informal range of tuition opportunities to suit all ages and to fit all budgets with 'potter for a day' gift certificates for visitors to buy for friends and family.

“The ultimate aspirations of Clay Academy are exciting and high quality ceramics produced at our Courtyard studio while anyone can watch the process and get a real sense of the passion we have for clay.”

The Courtyard will formally open at Easter and in addition to the resident artists will also include a retail display area, refreshments available in the all-weather courtyard area, and venue facilities.

For more information, please call Joe Larter on 07785 343500, or go on www.the-courtyard.co.uk .