This course provides an excellent opportunity for beginners to experience working (throwing) on the potter's wheel. The focus will be on the fundamental preparation of working with clay ready to throw. A basic knowledge on how to throw will be taught. The first evening will start with an introductory talk, a brief overview of the throwing technique and a discussion on forms and shapes within our everyday ware.

On the first full day we start with clay preparation (kneading and wedging) and a throwing demonstration. You will be shown a number of techniques throughout the day and given one to one tuition for your own abilities and encouragement to build confidence.

The second day we cover the finishing processes of turning, but allowing time for further throwing practice for those who wish it. The session will end with a group discussion and review of the work.

Everyone will have the use of a wheel for the whole course. You are likely to finish the course with six to eight pieces.

Included

All clay, glazing and firing costs (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

• Overall/Apron (preferably cotton or laminated fabric)
• Old towel
• 10 clean plastic bags to wrap clay
• Books of interest for inspiration (optional)

Available to buy

Available from shop:

• Pottery tools, pottery knife
• Rough paper or sketch pad and pencil
• Natural sponge

Additional information

Firing and glazing options:

• Leave any raw, finished pieces that you wish to keep, for biscuit firing, basic glazing and re-firing by the College, for collection within six months.
• Leave 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.
• 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 i.e. no open-toes or sandals. Safety boots, if specified.

For those interested in reading any books before the course this is a list of suggestions:

• 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 Potters 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 - first date of course
Residential students can arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm for registration  
Student welcome, followed by dinner: 6.45pm (dinner included)
Teaching session: 8pm-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 (lunch included)  
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 - last date of course
Course teaching: 9.15am-3pm (lunch included)  
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.

Terms & Conditions