Porcelain is one of the finest clays in ceramics. It has a long history and continues to evolve into contemporary times. The tutor is a ceramicist who specialises in using porcelain and will give an insight into the way to work with this material. For potters with existing skills in making wheel-thrown pots, this course will show you how to throw porcelain on the wheel and overcome some of its challenges.

The first evening will be an introduction to the tutor’s work, a discussion of the aims and objectives and an opportunity to look at porcelain items brought in by the tutor.

On the first full day, we will start with clay preparation (kneading and wedging) and a throwing demonstration. You will be shown a number of techniques throughout the day and given one-to-one tuition and encouragement to build confidence.

On the second day, we will cover finishing processes of turning, as well as how to make handles and adapt forms made on the wheel.

The final day offers time for further throwing practice for those who wish it and/or completion of pieces. The session will end with a group discussion and review of the work.

You will have use of a wheel throughout. You are likely to finish the course with six to eight pieces. Due to the challenging nature of the material, this course is for those who have previously completed a beginners’ throwing course and have experience of the throwing technique.

Included

All clay and tools will be provided in the pottery.

What students need to bring

• Overall/Apron (preferably cotton or laminated fabric)
• old towel
• books of interest
• Ten clean plastic shopping bags

Available to buy

Available from shop: Pottery tools, pottery knife Rough paper or sketch pad and pencil Natural sponge

Basic tool kits are provided in the pottery for use during the course.

Additional information

Firing and glazing options:

1. Leave your most successful raw, finished pieces (approximately 8), which you wish to keep, for biscuit firing, basic glazing and re-firing by the College for collection within six months.

2. Leave your most successful raw, finished pieces (approximately 8) for biscuit firing at the College. You can then book a place on a Glazing Day and glaze your own work (allowing four weeks for your work to be biscuit fired). This work will be re-fired after glazing and available for collection within six months.

3. Take away your unfired pots for firing and glazing elsewhere.

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

Course reading list: For those interested in reading any books before the course, this is a suggested list: Ceramics: Tools and Techniques for the Contemporary Maker by Louisa Taylor (Jacqui Small publishing) Ceramics for Beginners: Wheel Throwing by Emily Reason (Lark Books) Contemporary Porcelain: Materials, Techniques and Expressions by Peter Lane (A&C Black) Porcelain by Jack Doherty (University of Pennsylvania Press) The Complete Potter’s Companion by Tony Birks (Conran Octopus) The Techniques of Throwing by John Colbeck (Batsford Watson-Guptill) Advanced Pottery by Linda Bloomfield (Robert Hale Ltd) Throwing by Richard Phethean (Blandford) Throwing pots by Phil Rogers (A&C Black)

Arrival day
Residential students can arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm for registration
6.45pm: Welcome, followed by dinner (included)
8 - 9pm: First teaching session, attendance is essential

Daily timetable
Course teaching 9.15am - 5pm (lunch included)
Dinner: from 6.30pm (included for residential students)
Evening working: students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with permission from the tutor and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed

Departure day
Course teaching: 9.15am - 3pm (lunch included)
Residential students will need to check out of rooms by 10am

Please note, the tutor may make slight variations to the daily timetable as required

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