Pottery: a taster course in throwing

What is the course about?

This five-day taster pottery course in throwing introduces you to the basic techniques of throwing clay on the potter’s 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 potter’s wheel and throw basic forms such as mugs, jugs and bowls. Different ways to decorate your work, using coloured slips and glazes will be demonstrated and students will be encouraged to experiment with surface decoration. In the final 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 for those who may have had some experience 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 £2.50 per 500g for clay before firing, the porcelain charge is £20.00 per bag/ £10.00per 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.