This course is suitable for those at an intermediate skill level and can adequately throw a cylinder on the pottery wheel. The focus is to develop your throwing skills and gain experience with making suitable lids, handles and spouts for your thrown forms using stoneware clay. The first evening will start with a brief overview and demonstration of the various types of lids and gallery fittings, followed by a discussion on what forms and shapes can inspire your making.
On the first full day you will be shown a number of techniques focusing on how to make a good-fitting lid and gallery rim. You will also be shown how to make and attach spouts to your work and the principles you need to consider when making functional work. You will be supported throughout the day with one-to-one tuition and guidance to help build confidence. On the second day you will cover the finishing processes of turning and the various methods to make a handle. The session will end with a group discussion and review of the work.
Everyone will have the use of a wheel for the whole weekend. You are likely to finish the course with three to eight pieces.
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)
Included
- The cost of clay/glazing materials and firing costs of work made – large work in size and quantity may be charged extra.
What students need to bring
- Work apron – preferably cotton or laminated fabric
- Optional: You may wish to bring a sketch book, notebook and/or camera to record the session
- A hair band (to tie long hair back)
- Any personal pottery tools you wish to use in the session
Available to buy
- Available from shop:
- Pottery tools, pottery knife
- Rough paper or sketch pad and pencil
- Natural sponge
- Basic tool kits are provided in the pottery for use during the course.
Additional information
Firing and glazing options:
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Take away your unfired pots for firing and glazing elsewhere.