Ceramics and narrative
On this course you will explore and respond to the collections from the British Museum as inspiration to produce ceramic pieces which tell a story and convey a narrative.
Choose a starting date
Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
- Start Date: 25 Jun 2026End Date: 10 Jul 2026Thu-Fri (Evening): 18:30 - 21:30In PersonFull fee £279.00 Senior fee £223.00 Concession £181.00
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
The first session will be off-site where as a group you will meet at the British Museum and explore various collections together.
You will be guided through a selection of objects and choose a piece or pieces you find inspiring and plan to respond to. After gathering information about your chosen object you, will create your own ceramic responses back in the studio over the duration of the rest of the course.
There will be opportunity to fire and glaze work, emphasis will be placed on the making and development of the forms.
What will we cover?
-The work you create may convey personal messages or reflect cultural history and identity.
-You may wish to investigate themes in relation to historical and cultural contexts
-How beliefs of a specific time may have influenced the object you choose
-Explore the use of mythology and symbolism in your work
-React creatively to a site visit taking thoughts back into the studio.
-Create and engage in dialogue and discussion around chosen objects.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Convey a sense of narrative and storytelling through work
- Use a variety of hand building and decorating techniques
- Design and make work which fulfils a personal approach to the given project
- Practise and improve your skills in making ceramic forms.
- Be aware of and work to health and safety guidelines of the ceramic studio
- Be able to use and keep a working sketchbook.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
You will gather information about your chosen object through the use of a sketchbook/visual diary and online resources. In the studio you will receive both group and individual demonstrations and tutorials supporting learning through making. Working at home with visual ideas is optional.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Tools are available for use within the department and most materials costs are included. Ensure that you bring with you a suitable pair of closed shoes, e.g. not open toed sandals. There is a charge of £2.75 per 500g for clay before firing, the charge for porcelain which is £24.00 per bag/ £12.00 per half bag You will be expected to show good workshop practice and follow health and safety guidelines.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
VR829 Working with porcelain, VR827 Masterclass, VR708 Intermediate Ceramics.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
