Description
Autumn Leaf Pressing Clay Workshop with Resident Artist Yasemin Gava
County Hall Pottery, London
Date: Sunday 25 October, 15:00–17:00
Price: £25 per person
Capacity: 8 participants
Join County Hall Arts resident artist Yasemin Gava for a beginner-friendly handbuilding workshop exploring the natural forms, textures and patterns found in autumn leaves and other botanical materials.
Participants are invited to bring along a favourite leaf to use as inspiration and create impressions directly in clay. Through simple handbuilding techniques, you will make a small plate or tile, experimenting with the textures and shapes created by pressing leaves into the clay.
No previous ceramics experience is required.
As part of As the Leaves Turn, the autumn edition of the Four Seasons Festival at County Hall, the session offers an opportunity to slow down, observe seasonal changes and explore the relationship between natural forms and clay.
Course Overview
This workshop introduces simple handbuilding techniques through the process of pressing natural materials into clay. Participants will explore how leaves can create impressions, patterns and textures.
The session is designed to encourage experimentation and observation, using the changing forms of autumn as a starting point for making.
What You Can Expect
Session Content
- Introduction to basic handbuilding techniques
- Exploring leaves and botanical materials as sources for texture and pattern
- Pressing leaves into clay to create natural impressions
- Making a small plate or tile
- Guidance throughout the making process from Yasemin Gava
What You Will Learn
- Basic handbuilding techniques for creating small ceramic forms
- How to create impressions and textures using natural materials
- Approaches to working with leaves and botanical forms in clay
- How to develop texture and pattern through simple ceramic processes
What You Will Take Away
- A small handmade clay plate or tile created during the workshop, collection will be 3-4 weeks after the workshop.
About the Teacher
Yasemin Gava is County Hall Arts’ resident artist, working across ceramics and painting. Her practice focuses on process-driven experimentation, natural forms and collaborative making. In this workshop, Yasemin will guide participants through simple ceramic techniques while encouraging experimentation with texture, pattern and botanical forms.
Key Information / Practical Details
Date & Time:
Sunday 25 October, 15:00–17:00
Duration: 2 hours
Location: Glaze Room, Kiln Courtyard, County Hall Pottery, London
Level: Open to all levels / beginners welcome
Class Size: Maximum 8 participants
Price: £25 per person
Materials: All clay, tools and materials provided
What to Bring: Participants are welcome to bring a favourite leaf or other botanical material to use during the workshop. Choose a leaf with a reasonably defined texture and shape for the best impression.
All classes will take place in our pottery studio at: 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.
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!
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.
Shipping
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. While we follow best practices to protect all ceramic pieces during packaging, we cannot guarantee that damage will not occur in transit. Once your item leaves our gallery, we are not responsible for any breakage or loss that may happen during shipping.
In-person pickup is highly recommended for delicate or sentimental pieces.
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.
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.
Arrival And Lateness
* 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!
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
