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.
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.
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.
You will make a variety of ceramic objects using different construction techniques and methods. The surfaces can be decorated using a wide range of options with slip and glaze to achieve both Earthenware and Stoneware temperatures. Plus an introduction to historical & contemporary ceramics
Beginners & improvers will work alongside each other in a mutually supportive environment in which you will learn both from your tutor and each other.
What will we cover?
Beginners: Through a structured syllabus this course will introduce the beginner to gain the fundamental skills to work with clay and glaze and begin to understand it’s potential to make a ceramic form whether functional or sculptural. You will look at different types of clay and learn how to build: shape and mould it using basic hand-building techniques. You will have time to experiment with basic techniques for decorating the clay surface using clay coloured slip and will have a basic introduction to glazing. Improvers: Whilst working on personal or course projects students will be encouraged to experiment with different materials and methods to develop their ceramic techniques and design skills.
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Use a range of ceramic techniques such as coiling, pinch, slab building, beginners level - Be familiar with press moulding, slip decoration and glazing, beginners level - Be aware of good studio practice Improvers: - Use their hand building techniques with more confidence - Have a first understanding of throwing on the wheel- beginners level - Choose appropriate techniques and materials in order to develop individual project work, as guided by your tutor.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
All levels are welcome.
Self-reflection is an important part of art education and practice, you will be encouraged to evaluate and review your own learning, ways of working and progress and be invited into group discussions.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
You will learn through practical demonstrations, group and individual discussions and tutorials, slide lectures and personal tuition. A wide range of learning resources and equipment are provided.
You will receive regular feedback from your tutor, in a constructive and supportive environment. Students are encouraged to do research outside of the class such into the world of Historical and Contemporary Ceramics, visiting exhibitions/Museums where possible.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Old clothes and sensible footwear advised, you are welcome to bring your own tools but not essential. You will be expected to show good workshop practice and follow health and safety guidelines. Most ceramic materials are covered by the course fee. There is a charge of £2.75 per 500g for clay before firing, the porcelain charge is £24.00per bag/ £12.00 per half bag.
In the final week you will need to pay for materials that you have used, payments to be made by contactless card reader.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Your Tutor will advise you of progression routes, within City Lit you may like:
VR710 - City Lit Ceramics course VR711 City Lit Ceramics Intermediate Course VR712 Ceramics Diploma All of which are structured courses that can lead to higher education or independent studio practice.
Tessa Eastman MA (RCA), MRSS is a British artist with over twenty years of experience working with clay and glaze. She has a studio at Cockpit, a hub for London's craftspeople. Her advice is sought after by those looking to begin their interest in ceramics and learners wishing to take their knowledge further. She was head of the Malden Centre Pottery and worked as an assistant to Kate Malone. Pieces have been shown in the UK and internationally. She was awarded the Officine Saffi Prize, Fondazione Officine Saffi Milan. She is a member of the Royal Society of Sculptors and the Art Workers Guild. Her pieces demonstrate her commitment to clay construction. The overlooked detail of microscopic structures is observed to develop work which posesses a curious ambiguity. Time is devoted to glaze research. Through glaze and three dimensions, pieces develop depth of character. Skill is acquired through dedication and she believes it is essential for knowledge to be shared. Class emphasis is to enjoy developing in a sociable, creative environment with individuals working at their own pace. Courses allow for improvement, creative exchange and investigation into ideas and techniques.
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.
product
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/friday-evening-pottery165062Friday evening potteryhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/p/x/pxl_20241022_140547931.portrait_11.jpg599599GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Art & design/Courses/vm/Courses for Making Your Own Art/Courses/Art & design/Ceramics & sculpture/Courses/Art & design/Ceramics & sculpture/Ceramics & pottery/Courses/vm/Courses to do with friends22851132179014311143164712285165311321431<p>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.</p> <div data-content-type="html" data-appearance="default" data-element="main">You will make a variety of ceramic objects using different construction techniques and methods. These surfaces can be decorated using a wide range of options with Slip and glaze to achieve both Earthenware and Stoneware temperatures. Plus an introduction to historical & contemporary ceramics<br />
Beginners & improvers will alongside each other in a mutually supportive environment in which you will learn both from your tutor and each other.</div>003037486Friday evening pottery599599https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/p/x/pxl_20241022_140547931.portrait_11_15.jpgInStockEveningFriKeeley StreetAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2027-04-30T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experienceApr 2027Art & designVR791599599Friday evening pottery479389599Tessa Eastmanfriday-evening-pottery/vr791-2627Suitable for students who want to learn basic design, handbuilding, 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.0000-Available|2027-04-30 00:00:00<p>You will make a variety of ceramic objects using different construction techniques and methods. The surfaces can be decorated using a wide range of options with slip and glaze to achieve both Earthenware and Stoneware temperatures. Plus an introduction to historical & contemporary ceramics.</p><p>Beginners & improvers will work alongside each other in a mutually supportive environment in which you will learn both from your tutor and each other.</p>Suitable for students who want to learn basic design, handbuilding, 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.<p>Beginners: Through a structured syllabus this course will introduce the beginner to gain the fundamental skills to work with clay and glaze and begin to understand it’s potential to make a ceramic form whether functional or sculptural. You will look at different types of clay and learn how to build: shape and mould it using basic hand-building techniques. You will have time to experiment with basic techniques for decorating the clay surface using clay coloured slip and will have a basic introduction to glazing.</p><p><br>Improvers: Whilst working on personal or course projects students will be encouraged to experiment with different materials and methods to develop their ceramic techniques and design skills.</p><p>Use a range of ceramic techniques such as coiling, pinch, slab building, beginners level<br>- Be familiar with press moulding, slip decoration and glazing, beginners level<br>- Be aware of good studio practice<br>Improvers:<br>- Use their hand building techniques with more confidence<br>- Have a first understanding of throwing on the wheel- beginners level<br>- Choose appropriate techniques and materials in order to develop individual project work, as guided by your tutor.</p><p>All levels are welcome.</p><p>You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information. You should be able to use numbers and be able to do simple measurements and calculations. Self-reflection is an important part of art education and practice, you will be encouraged to evaluate and review your own learning, ways of working and progress and be invited into group discussions.</p><p>You will learn through practical demonstrations, group and individual discussions and tutorials, slide lectures and personal tuition. A wide range of learning resources and equipment are provided.</p><p>You will receive regular feedback from your tutor, in a constructive and supportive environment. Students are encouraged to do research outside of the class such into the world of Historical and Contemporary Ceramics, visiting exhibitions/Museums where possible.</p><p>Old clothes and sensible footwear advised, tools are available within the department for use, you are welcome to bring your own if you prefer. You will be expected to show good workshop practice and follow health and safety guidelines.</p><p>Most ceramic materials are covered by the course fee. There is a charge of £3.00 per 500g for clay before firing, the porcelain charge is £24.00per bag/ £12.00 per half bag. In the final week you will need to pay for materials that you have used, payments to be made by contactless card reader.</p><p>There are a variety of ceramic classes during the day and evening. See the course guide for term dates and further details.<br>Within City Lit you could progress onto:<br><br>VR710 City Lit Ceramics course<br>VR711 Ceramics Intermediate Course<br>VR712 Ceramics Diploma<br>All of which are structured courses that can lead to higher education or independent studio practice.</p>Ceramics & sculptureCeramics & potteryvirtual3037489Friday evening pottery599599https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/p/x/pxl_20241022_140547931.portrait_11_14.jpgInStockEveningFriKeeley StreetAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2026-09-25T00:00:00+00:00Sep 2026Art & designVR792599599Friday evening pottery479389599friday-evening-pottery/vr792-2627<p>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.</p>0000-Available|2026-09-25 00:00:00<p>You will make a variety of ceramic objects using different construction techniques and methods. The surfaces can be decorated using a wide range of options with slip and glaze to achieve both Earthenware and Stoneware temperatures. Plus an introduction to historical & contemporary ceramics<br> </p><p>Beginners & improvers will work alongside each other in a mutually supportive environment in which you will learn both from your tutor and each other.</p><p>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.</p><p>Beginners: Through a structured syllabus this course will introduce the beginner to gain the fundamental skills to work with clay and glaze and begin to understand it’s potential to make a ceramic form whether functional or sculptural. You will look at different types of clay and learn how to build: shape and mould it using basic hand-building techniques. You will have time to experiment with basic techniques for decorating the clay surface using clay coloured slip and will have a basic introduction to glazing.<br>Improvers: Whilst working on personal or course projects students will be encouraged to experiment with different materials and methods to develop their ceramic techniques and design skills.</p><p>- Use a range of ceramic techniques such as coiling, pinch, slab building, beginners level<br>- Be familiar with press moulding, slip decoration and glazing, beginners level<br>- Be aware of good studio practice<br>Improvers:<br>- Use their hand building techniques with more confidence<br>- Have a first understanding of throwing on the wheel- beginners level<br>- Choose appropriate techniques and materials in order to develop individual project work, as guided by your tutor.</p><p>All levels are welcome.</p><p>Self-reflection is an important part of art education and practice, you will be encouraged to evaluate and review your own learning, ways of working and progress and be invited into group discussions.</p><p>You will learn through practical demonstrations, group and individual discussions and tutorials, slide lectures and personal tuition. A wide range of learning resources and equipment are provided.</p><p>You will receive regular feedback from your tutor, in a constructive and supportive environment. Students are encouraged to do research outside of the class such into the world of Historical and Contemporary Ceramics, visiting exhibitions/Museums where possible.</p><p>Old clothes and sensible footwear advised, you are welcome to bring your own tools but not essential. You will be expected to show good workshop practice and follow health and safety guidelines. Most ceramic materials are covered by the course fee. There is a charge of £2.75 per 500g for clay before firing, the porcelain charge is £24.00per bag/ £12.00 per half bag.</p><p>In the final week you will need to pay for materials that you have used, payments to be made by contactless card reader.</p><p> </p><p>Your Tutor will advise you of progression routes, within City Lit you may like:<br><br>VR710 - City Lit Ceramics course <br>VR711 City Lit Ceramics Intermediate Course<br>VR712 Ceramics Diploma <br>All of which are structured courses that can lead to higher education or independent studio practice.</p>Ceramics & sculptureCeramics & potteryvirtual479599389VR791,VR792NONEFri25/09/26 - 04/12/2618:15 - 21:1518:1521:1510 sessions (over 11 weeks)105-10 weeksWeekdayKSKeeley StreetAvailable courses2027-04-30T00:00:00+00:00,2026-09-25T00:00:00+00:00EveningApr 2027,Sep 2026Art & design599599Friday evening potteryfriday-evening-pottery/vr791-2627,friday-evening-pottery/vr792-2627Suitable for students who want to learn basic design, handbuilding, 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.,<p>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.</p>0000-Available|2026-09-25 00:00:00<p>You will make a variety of ceramic objects using different construction techniques and methods. The surfaces can be decorated using a wide range of options with slip and glaze to achieve both Earthenware and Stoneware temperatures. Plus an introduction to historical &amp; contemporary ceramics.</p><p>Beginners &amp; improvers will work alongside each other in a mutually supportive environment in which you will learn both from your tutor and each other.</p>,<p>You will make a variety of ceramic objects using different construction techniques and methods. The surfaces can be decorated using a wide range of options with slip and glaze to achieve both Earthenware and Stoneware temperatures. Plus an introduction to historical &amp; contemporary ceramics<br>&nbsp;</p><p>Beginners &amp; improvers will work alongside each other in a mutually supportive environment in which you will learn both from your tutor and each other.</p>Suitable for students who want to learn basic design, handbuilding, 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.,<p>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.</p><p>Beginners: Through a structured syllabus this course will introduce the beginner to gain the fundamental skills to work with clay and glaze and begin to understand it’s potential to make a ceramic form whether functional or sculptural. You will look at different types of clay and learn how to build: shape and mould it using basic hand-building techniques. You will have time to experiment with basic techniques for decorating the clay surface using clay coloured slip and will have a basic introduction to glazing.</p><p><br>Improvers: Whilst working on personal or course projects students will be encouraged to experiment with different materials and methods to develop their ceramic techniques and design skills.</p>,<p>Beginners: Through a structured syllabus this course will introduce the beginner to gain the fundamental skills to work with clay and glaze and begin to understand it’s potential to make a ceramic form whether functional or sculptural. You will look at different types of clay and learn how to build: shape and mould it using basic hand-building techniques. You will have time to experiment with basic techniques for decorating the clay surface using clay coloured slip and will have a basic introduction to glazing.<br>Improvers: Whilst working on personal or course projects students will be encouraged to experiment with different materials and methods to develop their ceramic techniques and design skills.</p><p>Use a range of ceramic techniques such as coiling, pinch, slab building, beginners level<br>- Be familiar with press moulding, slip decoration and glazing, beginners level<br>- Be aware of good studio practice<br>Improvers:<br>- Use their hand building techniques with more confidence<br>- Have a first understanding of throwing on the wheel- beginners level<br>- Choose appropriate techniques and materials in order to develop individual project work, as guided by your tutor.</p>,<p>- Use a range of ceramic techniques such as coiling, pinch, slab building, beginners level<br>- Be familiar with press moulding, slip decoration and glazing, beginners level<br>- Be aware of good studio practice<br>Improvers:<br>- Use their hand building techniques with more confidence<br>- Have a first understanding of throwing on the wheel- beginners level<br>- Choose appropriate techniques and materials in order to develop individual project work, as guided by your tutor.</p><p>All levels are welcome.</p><p>You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information. You should be able to use numbers and be able to do simple measurements and calculations. Self-reflection is an important part of art education and practice, you will be encouraged to evaluate and review your own learning, ways of working and progress and be invited into group discussions.</p>,<p>All levels are welcome.</p><p>Self-reflection is an important part of art education and practice, you will be encouraged to evaluate and review your own learning, ways of working and progress and be invited into group discussions.</p><p>You will learn through practical demonstrations, group and individual discussions and tutorials, slide lectures and personal tuition. A wide range of learning resources and equipment are provided.</p><p>You will receive regular feedback from your tutor, in a constructive and supportive environment. Students are encouraged to do research outside of the class such into the world of Historical and Contemporary Ceramics, visiting exhibitions/Museums where possible.</p><p>Old clothes and sensible footwear advised, tools are available within the department for use, you are welcome to bring your own if you prefer. You will be expected to show good workshop practice and follow health and safety guidelines.</p><p>Most ceramic materials are covered by the course fee. There is a charge of £3.00 per 500g for clay before firing, the porcelain charge is £24.00per bag/ £12.00 per half bag. In the final week you will need to pay for materials that you have used, payments to be made by contactless card reader.</p>,<p>Old clothes and sensible footwear advised, you are welcome to bring your own tools but not essential. You will be expected to show good workshop practice and follow health and safety guidelines. Most ceramic materials are covered by the course fee. There is a charge of £2.75 per 500g for clay before firing, the porcelain charge is £24.00per bag/ £12.00 per half bag.</p><p>In the final week you will need to pay for materials that you have used, payments to be made by contactless card reader.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>There are a variety of ceramic classes during the day and evening. See the course guide for term dates and further details.<br>Within City Lit you could progress onto:<br><br>VR710 City Lit Ceramics course<br>VR711 Ceramics Intermediate Course<br>VR712 Ceramics Diploma<br>All of which are structured courses that can lead to higher education or independent studio practice.</p>,<p>Your Tutor will advise you of progression routes, within City Lit you may like:<br><br>VR710 - City Lit Ceramics course&nbsp;<br>VR711 City Lit Ceramics Intermediate Course<br>VR712 Ceramics Diploma&nbsp;<br>All of which are structured courses that can lead to higher education or independent studio practice.</p>Ceramics & sculptureCeramics & potteryconfigurable
