Ceramics & Sculpture courses in London

For those with previous experience who want to work towards their own goals, or for beginners who wish to learn hand-building and throwing processes. We will also cover glazing and surface decoration.

Experience and explore all the making techniques in ceramics: coiling, slab-building, press moulds and throwing on the wheel with tutor guidance and demonstration. Also covering surface decoration techniques and basic glazing.

For those with some previous experience wishing to work towards personal goals with tuition and guidance. Throwing and hand-building processes will be taught alongside glazing and surface decoration throughout the course.

The RFSA Foundation helps widen access to art and design education by supporting learners facing financial, personal or practical barriers. If you meet the eligibility criteria, you may be able to apply for funding towards this course. Read our step-by-step bursary guidance here to find out more and apply.

Get inspired by trying carving techniques and create your own small carving in wood or stone. Suitable for anyone from beginners to experienced carvers. This course will explore the characteristics of wood and stone, lead you through the steps of design and carving, encourage you to explore and develop your ideas, and try more experimental techniques.

Ideal for beginners, discover how to throw and produce interesting forms on the wheel. Learn the basic methods for making simple bowls and vases.

Realise your personal project in 3D. Come with an idea and you will be supported through your making to a final piece. Learn how to structure your idea from inspiration to reality. Ideal for students with previous experience or students who may need extra workshop time and guidance to complete a project.

Suitable for students who want to learn basic design, hand building, decoration and glazing techniques or for students who want to refresh or develop existing ceramics skills. Everyone will be encouraged to explore and experiment with different skills and techniques in a friendly and supportive environment.

The ultimate introduction to sculpture at City Lit. In each class of this five-day hands-on course you will be introduced to a different sculptural technique and material, by a tutor who is a specialist in that area. This will provide you with a showcase of our sculpture facilities and teaching talent at City Lit. This course is perfect for beginners who want to try out a range of sculptural processes, perhaps to find your area of interest for further study.

Explore the exciting possibilities of clay using the popular pottery techniques of hand-building and throwing. Simple surface decoration, glazing and firing will also be taught.

Gain inspiration for creating a carving and learn about historical and contemporary artists. Learn techniques to realise your design in a choice either wood or stone. Basic materials included. All levels welcome.

Explore sculpture as a way of thinking through the world. This hands-on studio course takes you from the ground up, experimenting with materials, processes and ideas from armature building and construction to found objects, unconventional materials, and conceptual approaches. Develop your own artistic voice, build ambitious forms, and discover how material, process and form create meaning.

At the start, two key questions will guide our work:

• What’s a good idea?
  How do we recognize, develop, and trust ideas?
• How do I take up space?
  What does it mean-physically, socially, or politically-to occupy space through sculpture?

Break the mould - try your hand at the techniques of mould making and casting as practised by sculptors, prop makers and designers. Under the guidance of highly experienced industry professional in our fully equipped sculpture studio, explore making plaster and rubber moulds. Then learn how to cast from them in plaster of Paris, cement and Jesmonite.

Learn the techniques required in making sculptural or functional objects in steel: cutting, bending, welding and joining small scale metal. Please bring ideas, inspiration and scrap metal. This course is for beginners and those at intermediate level.