Alison Sandeman
Alison Sandeman is a long-standing tutor at West Dean. She makes functional individual pieces in stoneware, porcelain and Raku. She has a special interest in outdoor firing techniques.
Ref: S3D31830
The course provides an excellent opportunity for beginners to experience working/ throwing on a potter's wheel. Everyone will have the use of a wheel throughout the weekend. You will be taught at your own individual level and encouraged to practise.
On the first evening, the tutor will give an introductory talk and demonstration, followed by an introduction to clay preparation (kneading and wedging). The evening will finish with a video or slides relevant to throwing.
On the first day, you will start with preparing your clay and you will then spend the rest of the day learning and practising throwing on the wheel. In the evening, the tutor may show slides or a video relevant to the course. If you are a non-resident you may wish to book in for dinner via the Bookings Office prior to the course.
On the subsequent days, you will continue with further throwing practice and cover the finishing processes of turning. The aim is for you to finish the course with six to eight pots made.
Arrival Day - this is the first date listed above
Courses start early evening. Residential students to arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm.
6.45pm: Welcome, followed by dinner (included).
8 - 9pm: First teaching session, attendance is essential.
Daily timetable
Classes 9.15 - 5pm, lunch is included.
From 6.30pm: Dinner (included for residential students).
Evening working - students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with their tutor's permission and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed.
Last day
Classes 9.15am - 3pm, lunch is included.
Residential students are to vacate their rooms by 10am please.
(This timetable is for courses of more than one day in length. The tutor may make slight variations)
Alison Sandeman is a long-standing tutor at West Dean. She makes functional individual pieces in stoneware, porcelain and Raku. She has a special interest in outdoor firing techniques.
Residential option available. Find out accommodation costs and how to book here.
Take the next step in your creative practice, with foundation level to Masters in Fine Art study.
Depending on your experience, start with an Online Foundation Certificate in Art and Design (one year, part-time), a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design made up of 10 short courses taken over two years (part-time) or advance your learning with our BA (Hons) Art and Contemporary Craft: Materials, Making, and Place (six years part-time). All will help you develop core skills, find direction in your practice and build an impressive portfolio in preparation for artist opportunities or higher-level study. See all degree and diploma courses.