*FULL* Masterclass - Decorating with Raw Glaze and Single Firing
Nov
10
10:00 AM10:00

*FULL* Masterclass - Decorating with Raw Glaze and Single Firing

Common practice is to biscuit fire pots before applying a glaze to seal and adorn the surface, but it’s also possible to fire work just once, a process, naturally enough, called single, or raw firing. The ‘raw’ glaze is applied to the unfired clay pieces(called greenware). It offers advantages, opportunities and also risks!

In this workshop I will share some of the techniques I’ve developed in my own work, applicable to both raw glazes and standard slips, which are more readily available.

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Masterclass - Decorating with Raw Glaze and Single Firing
Jan
19
10:00 AM10:00

Masterclass - Decorating with Raw Glaze and Single Firing

I’m often asked how I achieve the surface decoration on my work.

Common practice is to biscuit fire pots before applying a glaze to seal and adorn the surface, but it’s also possible to fire work just once, a process, naturally enough, called single, or raw firing. The ‘raw’ glaze is applied to the unfired clay pieces (called greenware). It offers advantages, opportunities and also risks!

I find that being able to move onto decorating a piece while it’s still damp and new is more appealing than interrupting creative flow with a biscuit firing. To finish a piece and fire just once keeps the process, and results, fresh and immediate. On the other hand, errors can be costly, so it pays to be alert to the pitfalls.

Raw glazes are formulated to shrink sympathetically with the greenware through drying and firing, so usually have a higher clay content than standard glazes intended for bisque ware. They have a lot in common with decorating slip.

It follows that many familiar slip decorating processes (inlay, sgraffito, paper resist) are suitable for applying raw glaze to greenware in a decorative way too. The techniques can be used in combination, and the melting ‘fluxed’ quality of a raw glaze can make possible both complex and subtle results. 

In this workshop I will share some of the techniques I’ve developed in my own work, applicable to both my studio raw glazes and standard slips, which are readily available commercially. We’ll discuss the advantages and risks of raw firing, and the recipes of the glazes used during the workshop will be shared with participants.

After demonstrations showing the use of both standard slips and the ‘black’ raw glaze I use myself, participants will be provided with leatherhard tiles to experiment on during the morning, and a small supply of thrown pieces to decorate in the afternoon. If desired, students can bring a small number of their own raw pieces with them to decorate if time allows. 

At the end of the day work can be left for firing (firing fees then apply) and advice will be given for work taken away to be fired in potters’ own studios or elsewhere. (Work can still be bisque fired in the usual way and subsequently finished in a standard glaze firing. The ‘black’ glaze has a wide firing range. )

Course fee: £165; includes materials but not firing. Drinks and light refreshments are included, but not lunch. Pop out to one of the many local cafes or shops, or bring lunch with you. For more details, and to book (deposit required) contact me here

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Throwing with Porcelain - Weekend Course
Mar
29
to Mar 30

Throwing with Porcelain - Weekend Course

Who doesn’t love porcelain? Its smooth, creamy feel on the wheel and luminous glow when fired are seductive, but it requires careful and precise handling on the wheel to get the most out of it. This small workshop is for intermediate and experienced potters aiming to benefit from close tuition while exploring this tricky but satisfying medium over two days. The focus will be on accurate and consistent throwing on Saturday, paying particular attention to cross section and making full use of the clay. Taking advantage of overnight drying means pots can be trimmed and lids and handles fitted and pieces decorated, if desired, on the Sunday.

The course can be treated as an opportunity to practice, with pots reclaimed at the end of the day or they can be taken away raw - bring a box or crate. Alternatively, finished, damp pots can be left for biscuit and glaze firing (further fees apply).

Course fee: £235 inc materials. Course limited to four participants. Drinks and light refreshments are included, but not lunch. Pop out to one of the many local cafes or shops, or bring lunch with you. For more details, and to book (deposit required) contact me here.

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*FULL* Throwing Masterclass - Focus on Form
Sep
8
10:00 AM10:00

*FULL* Throwing Masterclass - Focus on Form

Suitable for experienced adult throwers looking to sharpen their technique, this workshop will help you to move from centred clay and ‘see what happens’ to making intended, strong forms directly and efficiently, whether making hollow ware, bowls, or flatware. Through consideration of the desired outcome and the necessary stages to reach it, a series of exercises will help you to get the most out of your clay and produce strong, pleasing forms consistently.

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Throwing Day *FULL*
Jun
30
10:00 AM10:00

Throwing Day *FULL*

Clay prepared and a day’s throwing practice ahead! For beginners and more experienced potters, there’s always plenty to learn on a dedicated throwing day with expert tuition. Whether reliable centring, getting more out of your clay or improving your consideration of form, you’ll end the day a better potter. Damp work can be taken away (bring a box or crate with you) saved for finishing on a return occasion  (firing fees will apply) or treated as practice and the clay reclaimed.

The workshop is located in a quiet yard in the centre of Salisbury, a few hundred metres from the market square with carparks a couple of minutes’ walk away.

Course numbers are limited to five each day, ensuring plenty of close tuition.

£90 per day includes hot drinks and biscuits; you can bring lunch with you or visit one of the many shops or cafes nearby. To book, or for more information, email me via the contact page

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Throwing Day *FULL*
Jun
9
10:00 AM10:00

Throwing Day *FULL*

Clay prepared and a day’s throwing practice ahead! For beginners and more experienced potters, there’s always plenty to learn on a dedicated throwing day with expert tuition. Whether reliable centring, getting more out of your clay or improving your consideration of form, you’ll end the day a better potter. Damp work can be taken away (bring a box or crate with you) saved for finishing on a return occasion  (firing fees will apply) or treated as practice and the clay reclaimed.

The workshop is located in a quiet yard in the centre of Salisbury, a few hundred metres from the market square with carparks a couple of minutes’ walk away.

Course numbers are limited to five each day, ensuring plenty of close tuition.

£90 per day includes hot drinks and biscuits; you can bring lunch with you or visit one of the many shops or cafes nearby. To book, or for more information, email me via the contact page

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Intensive Throwing Day *FULL*
Mar
24
10:00 AM10:00

Intensive Throwing Day *FULL*

Clay prepared, wheel ready to go; a day of throwing practice ideal for beginner and intermediate adult potters. This course will help to improve your understanding of both the potential and limits of your clay, by focusing on the principles of throwing success: accurate centring; controlled raising of the wall and consistency of technique.

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Summer Throwing Course *LATE AVAILABILITY* Due to cancellation
Jul
13
to Jul 16

Summer Throwing Course *LATE AVAILABILITY* Due to cancellation

During these practical sessions over four days students can focus on progressing a specific aspect of their potting, perhaps aiming to improve consistency in repeat throwing or trying bigger or more complex pieces. Taking advantage of overnight drying and the opportunity to plan the stages of making can lead to rapid progress.

Depending on the weather in the summer, this course may be held partly outdoors in the characterful pottery yard.

We’ll look at the various approaches to making more ambitious pottery forms at different scales. Starting with the basic discipline of repeat throwing of smaller pieces, paying close attention to form and consistency of technique, we’ll then move on to bigger examples, using the various techniques involved in increasing scale on the wheel, such as joining two or more pieces and throwing on coils of clay.

There will also be opportunities to try some of the slip decorating techniques appropriate to leatherhard clay, such as inlay (mishima) sgraffito and paper resist.

Course numbers are limited to five, ensuring plenty of close tuition. Suitable for intermediate and experienced potters.

Thursday 13th July 6-8.30pm; Fri 14th 2-7pm; Sat & Sun 15th & 16th July 10-5pm

For more details, and to book a place, please contact me here. A £50 deposit confirms your place; the balance is payable two weeks before the course starts.

Course fee: £275 includes materials, drinks and light refreshments. At the end of the course work can be reclaimed, taken away raw or left for biscuit firing and glazing on a return visit (firing fees then apply). The studio is situated in the centre of Salisbury a few hundred metres from the Market Square, with car parks, cafes, pubs and shops close by for lunches.

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Throwing Day *FULL*
Jun
25
10:00 AM10:00

Throwing Day *FULL*

Clay prepared and a day’s throwing practice ahead! For beginners and more experienced potters, there’s always plenty to learn on a dedicated throwing day with expert tuition. Whether reliable centring, getting more out of your clay or improving your consideration of form, you’ll end the day a better potter. Work can be taken away (bring a box or crate with you) saved for finishing on a return occasion  (firing fees will apply) or treated as practice and the clay reclaimed.

The workshop is located in a quiet yard in the centre of Salisbury, a few hundred metres from the market square with carparks a couple of minutes’ walk away. Tea, coffee and biscuits are provided; you can bring lunch with you or visit one of the many shops or cafes nearby.

Course numbers are limited to five each day, ensuring plenty of close tuition.

Course fee: £86. To book, or for more information, email me via the contact page.

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Porcelain Throwing Day/weekend (optional 2nd day)
Apr
15
to Apr 16

Porcelain Throwing Day/weekend (optional 2nd day)

Who doesn’t love porcelain? Its smooth, creamy feel on the wheel and luminous glow when fired are seductive, but it requires careful and precise handling on the wheel to get the most out of it. This small workshop is for intermediate and experienced potters, aiming to benefit from close tuition while exploring this tricky but satisfying medium, with the option to return for trimming and finishing your pots on the Sunday after overnight drying. The focus will be on accurate and consistent throwing, paying particular attention to cross section and making full use of the clay.

The standalone Saturday course can be treated as throwing practice, with pots reclaimed at the end of the day, or as Day 1 of a weekend course, with Day 2 devoted to trimming, adding feet, handles, decoration etc ready to leave for biscuit firing (fees apply) or taking away.

Course fee, 1 day: £94. 2 days £180. Drinks and light refreshments are included, but not lunch. Pop out to one of the many local cafes or shops, or bring lunch with you. For more details, and to book (deposit required) contact me here

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Throwing Day *FULL*
Feb
5
10:00 AM10:00

Throwing Day *FULL*

Clay prepared and a day’s throwing practice ahead! Whether you’re a beginner or improver, there’s always plenty to learn on a dedicated throwing day. From reliable centring to getting more out of your clay to improving your consideration of form, you’ll end the day as a better potter. Work can be taken away (bring a box or crate with you) saved for finishing on a return occasion  (firing fees will apply) or treated as practice and the clay reclaimed.

Course numbers are limited to five each day.

£86 per day includes hot drinks and biscuits; you can bring lunch with you or visit one of the many shops or cafes nearby. To book, or for more information, email me via the contact page

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Jugs, Mugs and Jampots for Christmas!
Dec
10
to Dec 11

Jugs, Mugs and Jampots for Christmas!

Back for another year, your chance to tick off your handmade pressie list at a stroke! Whether you want to give personalised mugs, the prettiest posy jugs or little lidded pots full of treats, here’s how:

Saturday is all about aiming for accurate, consistent throwing; working to a guage (what do you mean, you’re not giving sets..?) and Sunday is trimming and adding handles, spouts and lids, plus some simple slip decoration using techniques like paper resist, sgraffito, and monoprinting.

You leave your pots in the studio and I biscuit fire, glaze and stoneware fire them with a clear glaze ready for you to collect the following Saturday, 17th December. Voila!

Some previous throwing experience required; not suitable for beginners.

Fee: £220 including materials and firing.

Places strictly limited; contact me here for more information and to book.

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Throwing Day 2
Nov
6
10:00 AM10:00

Throwing Day 2

This course can be booked alone or as Day 2 of the weekend; days to be booked individually.

If booked as Day 2 of the weekend, taking advantage of overnight drying time means being able to trim, attach handles or, for more experienced potters, join together pieces thrown on Saturday to produce bigger or more complex forms under expert tuition on Sunday.

To book either or both days, contact me here.

For beginner or intermediate potters, this course will help to improve your understanding of both the potential and limits of your clay, by focusing on the principles of throwing success: accurate centring; controlled raising of the wall and consistency of technique. Through demonstrations and one-to one tuition you’ll be encouraged to use the clay efficiently through repeated practice of a form.

At the end of the day or weekend work can be taken away (bring a box or crate with you) saved for finishing on a return occasion (firing fees will apply) or treated as practice and the clay reclaimed.

Course numbers are limited to five each day.

£86 per day includes hot drinks and biscuits; you can bring lunch with you or visit one of the many shops or cafes nearby.

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Throwing Day 1 *FULL*
Nov
5
10:00 AM10:00

Throwing Day 1 *FULL*

This course can be booked alone or as Day 1 of the weekend; days to be booked individually.

Clay prepared, wheel ready to go; a day of throwing practice ideal for beginner and intermediate potters. This course will help to improve your understanding of both the potential and limits of your clay, by focusing on the principles of throwing success: accurate centring; controlled raising of the wall and consistency of technique. If you want to make bigger, composite (joined ) forms, your component pieces can be allowed to dry overnight ready to assemble on Day 2.

Through demonstrations and one-to one tuition you’ll be encouraged to use the clay efficiently through repeated practice of a form.

At the end of the day work can be taken away (bring a box or crate with you) saved for finishing on a return occasion (firing fees will apply) or treated as practice and the clay reclaimed.

Course numbers are limited to five. To book, contact me here

£86 includes hot drinks and biscuits; you can bring lunch with you or visit one of the many shops or cafes nearby.

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Throwing Day - Introduction to Porcelain
Oct
9
10:00 AM10:00

Throwing Day - Introduction to Porcelain

Porcelain feels fabulous on the wheel; pale, smooth and silky. It also has a prima donna reputation, going quickly from stiff to flabby. It demands the discipline of good technique more than other clays and of arriving at the form you want by the most efficient route. It has no patience with faffing about..!

This day of throwing practice is ideal for intermediate potters looking to try porcelain with the support of close tuition. It will help to improve your understanding of both the potential and limits of porcelain by focusing on the basic principles of success: accurate centring; controlled raising of the wall; awareness of cross section and consistency of technique. You’ll be encouraged to use the clay efficiently through repeated practice of a form, aiming to experience some of the joy of the medium as well as its frustrations!

At the end of the day work can be taken away (small materials fee will apply, and ideally bring a box or crate with you) saved for finishing on a return occasion (firing fees will apply) or treated as practice and the clay reclaimed.

Course numbers are limited to five. For more info and to book, contact me here. I will request a deposit to confirm a place on the course.

£86 includes hot drinks and biscuits; you can bring lunch with you or visit one of the many shops or cafes nearby.

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Summer Four-day Throwing Course *FULL*
Jul
14
to Jul 17

Summer Four-day Throwing Course *FULL*

During these practical sessions over four days students can aim to try bigger pieces, taking advantage of overnight drying and planning the progress of their work.

Depending on the Covid situation in the summer, this course may be held outdoors in the pottery yard.

We’ll look at the various approaches to making more ambitious pottery forms at different scales. Starting with the basic discipline of repeat throwing of smaller pieces, focusing on close attention to form and consistency of technique, we’ll then move on to bigger examples, using the various techniques involved in increasing scale on the wheel, such as joining two or more pieces and throwing on coils of clay. There will also be opportunities to try some of the slip decorating techniques appropriate to leatherhard clay.

Suitable for intermediate and experienced potters.

Thursday 15th July 6-9pm; Fri 16th 2-7pm; Sat & Sun 17th & 18th July 10-5pm

This summer course ran successfully last year during Covid restrictions; I anticipate being able to follow the same Covid-safe guidelines this year. In case of unavoidable cancellation, the course fee will, of course, be fully refunded.

Course fee: £250 includes materials, drinks and light refreshments. The studio is situated in the centre of Salisbury, with many cafes, pubs and shops close by for lunches.

For more information or to book a place, please email me here.

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Throwing Day *FULL*
Jul
3
10:00 AM10:00

Throwing Day *FULL*

Clay prepared, wheel ready to go; a day of throwing practice ideal for beginner and intermediate potters. This course will help to improve your understanding of both the potential and limits of your clay, by focusing on the principles of throwing success: accurate centring; controlled raising of the wall and consistency of technique. Through demonstrations and one-to one tuition you’ll be encouraged to use the clay efficiently through repeated practice of a form.

At the end of the day work can be taken away (bring a box or crate with you) saved for finishing on a return occasion (firing fees will apply) or treated as practice and the clay reclaimed.

Course numbers are limited to five. This course may be a mix of in- and outdoors with each student allocated a wheel and workspace 2m from each other.

£84 includes hot drinks and biscuits; you can bring lunch with you or visit one of the many shops or cafes nearby.

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Throwing Day *FULL*
Jun
26
10:00 AM10:00

Throwing Day *FULL*

Clay prepared, wheel ready to go; a day of throwing practice ideal for beginner and intermediate adult potters. This course will help to improve your understanding of both the potential and limits of your clay, by focusing on the principles of throwing success: accurate centring; controlled raising of the wall and consistency of technique. Through demonstrations and one-to one tuition you’ll be encouraged to use the clay efficiently through repeated practice of a form. Following on from first principles we’ll look at additional skills; throwing off the hump and making simple lids, spouts and handles.

At the end of the day work can be taken away (bring a box or crate with you) saved for finishing on a return occasion (firing fees will apply) or treated as practice and the clay reclaimed.

Course numbers are limited to five. Each student is allocated a wheel and workspace. You will be asked to take a Lateral Flow Test before attending. If the weather allows some wheels may be outdoors to allow for greater social distance and natural drying.

£84 includes hot drinks and biscuits; you can bring lunch with you or visit one of the many cafes nearby. For more details and to check availability and book a space (deposit required) please contact me here.

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Intensive Throwing Weekend *FULL*
Jun
11
to Jun 12

Intensive Throwing Weekend *FULL*

Two days on the wheel - an opportunity to tackle a new form, improve skills or increase the scale of your work. Taking advantage of overnight drying time means being able to trim, attach handles or join together pieces thrown on Saturday to produce bigger or more complex forms under expert tuition on Sunday.

Numbers are kept small to ensure social distancing and plenty of individual tuition. Courses take place in a characterful old converted engineering shed hidden away in the centre of Salisbury. Drinks and biscuits are available throughout the day, but students should bring a packed lunch or can pop out to one of the nearby shops and cafes.

Suitable for intermediate and experienced potters. The fee includes materials but not firing. At the end of the weekend work can be taken away, left for biscuit firing to be glazed on a future course (firing fees then apply) or simply treated as practice and reclaimed.

Course fee £170.

If, after booking with a small deposit, the course has to be cancelled for Covid-related reasons, students’ deposits will be fully refunded or can be held over towards a later course. To book, or for more information, please contact me here.

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Throwing Day *FULL*
May
22
10:00 AM10:00
courses

Throwing Day *FULL*

Clay prepared, wheel ready to go; a day of throwing practice ideal for beginner and intermediate adult potters. This course will help to improve your understanding of both the potential and limits of your clay, by focusing on the principles of throwing success: accurate centring; controlled raising of the wall and consistency of technique. Through demonstrations and one-to one tuition you’ll be encouraged to use the clay efficiently through repeated practice of a form.

At the end of the day work can be taken away (bring a box or crate with you) saved for finishing on a return occasion (firing fees will apply) or treated as practice and the clay reclaimed.

Course numbers are limited to five. Each student is allocated a wheel and workspace. You will be asked to take a Lateral Flow Test before attending.

£84 includes hot drinks and biscuits; you can bring lunch with you or visit one of the many cafes nearby. For more details and to check availability and book a space (deposit required) please contact me here.

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Throwing Day *FULL*
May
8
10:00 AM10:00

Throwing Day *FULL*

Clay prepared, wheel ready to go; a day of throwing practice ideal for beginner and intermediate potters. This course will help to improve your understanding of both the potential and limits of your clay, by focusing on the principles of throwing success: accurate centring; controlled raising of the wall and consistency of technique. Through demonstrations and one-to one tuition you’ll be encouraged to use the clay efficiently through repeated practice of a form.

At the end of the day work can be taken away (bring a box or crate with you) saved for finishing on a return occasion (firing fees will apply) or treated as practice and the clay reclaimed.

Course numbers are limited to five. This course is indoors with each student allocated a wheel and workspace 2m from each other. You will be asked to take a Lateral Flow Test before attending, and I anticipate that masks will be required while moving around the studio unless guidelines have changed by the course date.

£84 includes hot drinks and biscuits; you can bring lunch with you or visit one of the many cafes nearby.

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Throwing Day *FULL*
Mar
20
10:00 AM10:00

Throwing Day *FULL*

Clay prepared, wheel ready to go; a day of throwing practice ideal for adult beginner and intermediate potters. This course will help to improve your understanding of both the potential and limits of your clay, by focusing on the principles of throwing success: accurate centring; controlled raising of the wall and consistency of technique. Through demonstrations and one-to one tuition you’ll be encouraged to use the clay efficiently through repeated practice of a form.

At the end of the day work can be taken away (bring a box or crate with you) saved for finishing on a return occasion (firing fees will apply) or treated as practice and the clay reclaimed.

Course numbers are limited to five. This course is indoors with each student allocated a wheel and workspace 2m from each other. You will be asked to take a Lateral Flow Test before attending, and I anticipate that masks will be required while moving around the studio unless guidelines have changed by the course date.

£82 includes hot drinks and biscuits; you can bring lunch with you or visit one of the many cafes nearby.

To book, or for more details, contact me here

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Jugs, Mugs and Jampots for Christmas! *FULL*
Dec
11
to Dec 12

Jugs, Mugs and Jampots for Christmas! *FULL*

Here’s the deal… you have an idea in your head of what unique, made-by-your-own-fair-hand treats you want to give your friends and rellies this year, and what shape you want to practice. On Saturday morning your clay is ready prepped, and you get to improve your repeat throwing skills under expert tuition, and your trimming, handles, lids and slip decorating techniques on Sunday, while mentally ticking names off your list. Exhausting, but great fun!

You leave your pots to be biscuit fired, glazed and fired again, ready for you to collect the following weekend. Gift wrapping is over to you…

Some previous throwing experience required; not suitable for beginners.

Fee: £210 including materials and firing.

Places strictly limited; contact me here for more information and to book.

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Intensive Throwing Day
Oct
3
10:00 AM10:00

Intensive Throwing Day

Clay prepared, wheel ready to go; a day of throwing practice ideal for early to intermediate potters. This course will help you focus on understanding both the potential and limits of your material, and how to use the clay efficiently.

The day will begin with identifying a specific goal; perhaps attempting a particular new shape; increasing the scale of your work or ironing out a niggling problem. At the end of the day work can be reclaimed or some pieces kept to pursue further stages of making on a subsequent visit.

£80 includes hot drinks and biscuits; bring your own lunch or visit one of the many cafes locally.


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