Aim To introduce students to working with ceramic surfaces using colour with underglazes and application techniques. The workshop will begin with the planning of a design or pattern to be replicated in various ways using clay, plaster, and various tools and materials. Students will experience the step-by-step processes involved in a ceramic studio, including a visit to the tutor's studio at nearby Cockpit Bloomsbury, where you will have the opportunity to fire and glaze your work, learn how to pack a kiln, and understand the settings required for firing.

Objectives Provide hands-on experience with clay and plaster, practicing a range of drawing, painting, and texture-making skills using tools and equipment. Develop an understanding of the qualities and application of underglazes on bisque ceramics, working into clay surfaces, and mixing and casting plaster. Explore ways to use colour and texture for decoration, as well as techniques for casting. Equip students with skills in ceramics and plaster while encouraging ideas for further possibilities with the techniques and materials demonstrated.

Learning Outcomes By the end of the two-day workshop, students will have created and completed two pieces of work. Two tiles each will be fired on the first evening of the course, with the aim of taking it home at the end of the second day. The plaster cast can be used for further texture or decorative work in clay or displayed as an original work. Students will be encouraged to bring their own ideas into the workshop on the first day through drawings or imagery. All students will gain experience with patterns and colour in ceramics, whether they are beginners or building on previous knowledge of creating positive and negative relief textures. The skills learned can be applied to other surface decoration methods, as well as modelling and moulding materials.

Included

On this course the college will supply plaster, clay, professional modelling and sculpting tool. Your tutor will fire two of your roundel made on the first day. Two fired tiles are included in the fee.

What students need to bring

• Drawings or imagery to influence patterns or designs in plaster and clay
• Pencils, rubber, compass and an apron

Available to buy

Available from tutor: If you wish to decorate more than two tiles you can pay £3 per tile plus extra firing cost of each will be £5.

Additional information

Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes).

Daily Timetable

Course teaching 11am–5.15pm
Students arrive 10.30am-11am (coffee optional)  
Morning teaching 11am-1pm
Lunch break between 1pm-2pm (lunch is not included)
Afternoon teaching 2pm-5.15pm (15 minute break, 3.30pm–3.45pm)
Teaching finishes 5.15pm  
 

Short courses are open to anyone aged 18 and over. The course fee covers tuition and materials where stated. You will need to bring all other items listed under the ‘Materials to bring’ section.

Refreshments

Coffee and tea are included in the course fee, but you will need to bring lunch with you to eat in the refreshments room. There are also plenty of other local venues to purchase food.

Access

If you have any specific access needs, we will need to know about your access requirements in advance. Please tell us about your needs in confidence by emailing: [email protected] This venue has steps to the front reception, with limited access via a side gate to the ground floor. There is a small lift to higher floors or stairs.

Safety

Short course students are required to sign a safety compliance form as part of West Dean Health and Safety regulations.

Refunds and cancellations

Please refer to our terms & conditions below.

Disclaimer

The information given is accurate at the time of publication. However, West Dean College reserves the right to cancel or amend courses if circumstances require.

Terms & Conditions