Description
This six-session evening pottery course is designed for beginners or those with some experience who want to develop foundational skills in wheel throwing and returners who have completed a beginners course and want to develop their skills in a welcoming and creative London studio. Over six weeks, you’ll be guided through the essentials of working on the wheel, from centering and shaping to finishing and glazing, with each session building on the last to help you create functional, unique pottery pieces.
What You’ll Learn:
Beginners
Throughout the course, you’ll learn:
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The fundamentals of centering and pulling clay, allowing you to shape simple yet beautiful forms like cylinders and small bowls.
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How to trim and refine your pieces by adding a foot for a professional finish.
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Decorating techniques using slips and underglazes to add colour, texture, and patterns to your work.
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The glazing process, including application methods and how different glazes interact with clay bodies
Returners
Throughout the course, you’ll learn:
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How to shape more advanced forms, such as vases, lidded pots, and bowls with flared or altered rims.
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Techniques for centering and throwing larger amounts of clay with greater control and consistency.
- The skill of pulling and attaching handles for mugs and jugs.
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Ways to refine your decorative skills, experimenting with slip trailing, sgraffito, and layering underglazes.
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How to enhance your glazing techniques, including dipping, layering, and using wax resist for intricate designs.
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The opportunity to explore your personal style, work on independent projects, and push your creativity further.
Ideal for those who have some experience with pottery and want to refine their skills while trying new creative approaches.
Course Details:
- Dates – every Tuesday evening between:Â
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Tuesday 8 April – Tuesday 13 May
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Tuesday 20 May – Tuesday 24 June
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Tuesday 1 July – Tuesday 5 August
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Tuesday 9 September – Tuesday 14 October
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Tuesday 4 November – Tuesday 9 December
- Duration: Six consecutive sessions, 3 hours each (6pm-9pm)
- Skill Level: Complete beginners are welcome, no prior experience needed!
- What’s Included: All clay, tools, glazing, and two to three fired pieces (ready for collection in 3-4 weeks)
- Price: £280 per person
Ideal for anyone looking to unwind after work, develop a new skill, and bring home handmade pieces, this course offers an inspiring way to dive into pottery in a relaxed evening setting. Spaces are limited to ensure personal guidance, so reserve your wheel and start your pottery journey today!
The last session of every course is glazing. Work must be finished the week before to be fired. The final glazing session cannot be rescheduled, but we’ll glaze your pieces in your chosen colours if you miss it.
All cancellations must be submitted in writing via email. Refunds or exchanges may be granted at our discretion for cancellation requests made at least 7 days before the scheduled class, course, or workshop. No refunds or rescheduling will be offered for cancellations made within 48 hours of the workshop. There are no exceptions. However, you can transfer your place to another individual. Please send us their name(s) in advance.
If you cannot attend a session of a longer course, we can’t accommodate you with another session. For any inquiries regarding cancellations, please contact us at gallery@countyhallpottery.com.
All classes will take place in our pottery studio at:Â Â County Hall Pottery, Belvedere Road, Waterloo, SE1 7PB.
A welcome email with further instructions about what to expect before your class is sent around a week before your class commences. This email will be sent to the email provided at booking.
Your instructor will meet you in the foyer of the main entrance to County Hall Pottery on Belvedere Road – you’ll know you’re in the right place if you’re standing on the beautiful mosaic floor! They will take you through to our studio space. If you are running late, please call the studio phone when you arrive as you will need to be escorted.Â
Please feel free to bring a sketchbook or notepad along to make notes during your workshop.
We really hope that you enjoy your workshop with us! Â
If you have any questions, please see our frequently asked questions page here or contact us at gallery@countyhallpottery.com.linux136.unoeuro-server.com.
Collection of Artwork
Your work will usually be ready for collection within 6 weeks, but times may vary depending on firing schedules. You will be notified by email when your pieces are ready for you to pick up from our gallery. You can arrange for your artwork to be delivered to you (for an additional fee) within one month of the original pick up email being sent out. If your pieces have not been collected or sent within this time-frame, then we regret that we will have to give them away to our local community, as we are limited on shelf space.
Clay Allocation
A set amount of clay is included in the courses. Two kilograms of clay is included in a 3-hour class. Ten kilograms of dry clay work is included in a 6-week course. Additional clay is available to purchase at a cost of £2.50 per 500g of dry work. Work is weighed before the first firing.Â
Rescheduling, Cancellation And Refund Policy
* For one-day courses, when given 10 or more days’ notice we can either reschedule, refund or generate a gift code for rebooking your class.
* For one-day courses, when given 9 days or less notice for a cancellation for any reason, we regrettably are unable to reschedule or provide a refund. There are no exemptions. However, you can transfer your place to another individual. Please send us their name in advance.
* For courses longer than one-day, we regret we will not be able to replace or rearrange missed sessions. Please do not ask us to make exceptions.
* We can only accept one named individual to attend sessions for the duration of a course, individuals cannot transfer their place for any of their sessions.
* Gift Cards are non-refundable
* When an instructor is unable to teach a one-day class, for example due to illness, we will do our best to find an alternative. If that is not possible, you will receive a full refund. Notice of this will be given as soon as possible.
* If a teacher is unable to cover a session on a 6-week course, the session will be covered by an alternative and the class will continue as usual. Notice of this will be given as soon as possible.
Health And Safety Policy
* Pottery is a messy business, so it is advised that you wear clothing that you don’t mind getting dirty. We provide aprons but you are welcome to bring your own.
* Please don’t wear loose clothing or jewellery that might catch and tie up long hair.
* Closed-toe shoes are preferable
* There is no eating inside the studio. Drinking is only permitted from a closed-top vessel. There is a kitchenette that adjoins the studio where eating and drinking are allowed.
* Please let us know if you have any allergies, health or accessibility requirements in good time before the class, by emailing gallery@countyhallpottery.com.linux136.unoeuro-server.com
* We aim to educate and inspire through fun workshops. In order for all participants to enjoy our classes, we retain the right to ask individuals to leave if their conduct is deemed unsafe or offensive.Â
Arrival And LatenessÂ
* Due to our studio’s location in an historic building, please get in touch before the day of your class if you have any accessibility requirements at gallery@countyhallpottery.com.linux136.unoeuro-server.com
* You will need to meet your instructor at the main entrance of County Hall on Belvedere Road as the journey through the building to our studio is not straightforward! The class will gather in the foyer – you’ll know you’re in the right place if you’re standing on a beautiful mosaic floor! – and you will then be shown to our studio.
* If you are running late and the class has already left the foyer, a member of security will escort you to the studio. This may take some time – so please arrive early. You can enjoy our Gallery space while you wait!Â
Facilities
* Drinking water is provided in the studio, however if you require more sustenance throughout the class please feel free to bring items along.
* Our studio has a small kitchenette you can make use of and there is an array of cafes, restaurants and shops both within County Hall and the surrounding streets.
* Our gallery has a courtyard with tables and chairs that are free to use within gallery opening hours
* Toilets are available for use and adjoin the studio space
