This course will gently guide you through the throwing process, creating basic cylinder and bowl forms, and turning a foot to complete a bowl form. Everyone will have the use of their own wheel throughout the course.

On the first evening, the tutor will give a talk on her practice and outline the course, looking at examples of inspiring forms.

The first morning will start with fully explained demonstrations of clay preparation, centring and creating cylinders. You will then spend the rest of the morning practising these techniques.

The tutor will spend one-to-one time with everyone to help build confidence and a solid technique throughout the day. After lunch, the bowl form will be demonstrated, and the rest of the afternoon will be spent working with this technique.

The second morning will start with the demonstration of the turning technique on leather hard work, with an additional demonstration of making handles to add to cylinders if desired. The remaining time will be used to continue perfecting the throwing technique, with a group review at the end.

Included

All clay, glazing and firing costs are included - large work in size and quantity may be charged extra.

Basic tool kits are provided in the pottery for use during the course.

What students need to bring

• overalls/an apron (preferably cotton or laminated Fabric)
• an old towel
• Books of interest

Available to buy

Available from shop:

• Pottery tools
• Pottery knife
• Rough paper or sketchbook and pencil
• Natural sponge

Additional information

Firing and glazing options:

1. Leave a selection of your most successful raw finished pieces (up to 5), for biscuit firing, basic glazing and re-firing by the College, for collection within six months.

2. Leave a selection of your most successful raw finished pieces for biscuit firing at the College. You can then book a place on a Glazing Day and glaze your own work (allowing four weeks for your work to be biscuit fired). This work will be re-fired after glazing and available for collection within six months.

3. Take away your unfired pots for firing and glazing elsewhere.

Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no open toes or sandals).

Course reading list For those interested in reading any books before the course, the following may be in your public library:

• Advanced Pottery by Linda Bloomfield (Robert Hale Ltd)
• Ceramics: Tools and Techniques for the Contemporary Maker by Louisa Taylor (Jacqui Small publishing)
• Ceramics for Beginners: Wheel Throwing by Emily Reason (Lark Books)
• The Complete Potter’s Companion by Tony Birks (Conran Octopus)
• The Techniques of Throwing by John Colbeck (Batsford Watson-Guptill)
• Throwing by Richard Phethean (Blandford)
• Throwing pots by Phil Rogers (A&C Black)
• 10,000 Years of Pottery by Emmanuel Cooper (British Museum Press)

Arrival day
Residential students can arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 7.15pm for registration. Students arriving earlier are welcome to purchase dinner in the College Dining Room from 6pm.
Students meet their tutor in the Bar at 7.30pm prompt to go to studios.
First Teaching session: 7.30pm - 9pm (attendance is essential)

Daily timetable
Course teaching: 9.15am - 5pm
Morning session: 9.15am - 12.45pm including coffee/tea break
Lunch break: 12.45pm - 2pm*
Afternoon session: 2pm - 5pm including coffee/tea break
Teaching finishes: 5pm
Evening working: students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with permission from the tutor and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed.

Departure day
Course teaching: 9.15am - 3pm
Teaching finishes: 3pm

Residential students will need to check out of rooms by 10am. Please note, the tutor may make slight variations to the daily timetable as required.

*Lunch can be purchased on campus, view options

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