Pottery: a short course in throwing

Ideal for beginners who want to experience the basic techniques of throwing on the potter's wheel. Learn how to produce mugs, bowls and simple forms, as well as how to apply slips and glazes on this enjoyable five-day course.
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  • Start Date: 09 Nov 2025
    End Date: 14 Dec 2025
    Sun (Daytime): 10:00 - 17:00
    In Person
    Location: Keeley Street
    Duration: 6 sessions (over -6 weeks)
    Course Code: VR748
    Tutors:  Josie Warshaw
    Full fee £599.00 Senior fee £479.00 Concession £389.00
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In stock
SKU
233151
Full fee £599.00 Senior fee £479.00 Concession £389.00

What is the course about?

This five-day taster course in throwing introduces you to the basic techniques of throwing clay on the wheel to make finished pots. You will also learn to decorate and finish your work using slips and glazes.

What will we cover?

You will learn how to prepare clay, how to centre it on the wheel and how to throw basic forms such as mugs, jugs and bowls. You will be encouraged to experiment with surface decoration, exploring ways to decorate your work with demonstrations of using coloured slips and glazes. In the last week there will be an opportunity for a final project – either producing a lidded jar or throwing with porcelain.

There will be opportunities to see the work of modern ceramicists who work on the wheel through books and a visual presentation.

As part of the course you will be encouraged to keep a sketchbook to collect and note down your ideas and
observations.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

- Centre clay on the potter’s wheel
- Make functional pieces, such as mugs, jugs or bowls
- Finish forms by turning - for example turning a foot ring on a bowl
- Pull a handle and attach it to your work
- Decorate and finish your work using slips and glazes
- Make a small jar with a fitted lid OR throw using porcelain.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

This course is ideal for beginners and those with some experience of working with clay and want
to learn how to throw. Anybody with enthusiasm is welcome.

You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions given in demonstrations and health and safety guidelines and will be invited to take part in group discussion. You should be able to use numbers and be able to do simple measurements and calculations.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

This very practical course will start with demonstrations of different techniques each week, with lots of opportunity for individual work supported by one-to-one advice and tuition. There will also be a presentation of other artists’ work, handouts and time for group discussion.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

There is a charge of £2.75 per 500g for clay before firing, the porcelain charge is £24.00 per bag/ £12.00per half bag. There is a communal pottery tool box for all students to use.

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

Within the City Lit there are a number of Pottery courses for you to progress onto. Your tutor will talk to you about progression opportunites towrds the end of your course.

Josie Warshaw
We’re sorry. We don’t have a bio ready for the tutor of this class at the moment, but we’re working on it! Watch this space.

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.