Pottery Course: Beginner Handbuilding & Wheel Throwing (6 Weeks)
Discover the fundamentals of clay through this six-week course tailored for complete beginners or those with some experience. Held in our relaxed and friendly London studio, this course introduces you to both handbuilding and wheel throwing techniques, guiding you through the process of shaping, decorating, and glazing your own unique ceramic pieces.
Course Details
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Dates:
Every Sunday afternoon, 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM
(Six consecutive weekly sessions) -
Duration:
6 sessions, 3 hours each (includes 30 minutes of studio cleanup time) -
Skill Level:
Beginner-friendly — no prior experience needed -
Price:
£280 per person -
What’s Included:
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All clay, tools, and glazing materials
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Use of your own wheel
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Firing of up to 10 selected pieces (ready for collection in 3–4 weeks)
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Small class size for personal guidance
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What You’ll Learn
This well-rounded course combines both wheel throwing and handbuilding skills. Each week builds on the last to give you a solid foundation in working with clay:
Wheel Throwing
- Get a taste of throwing on the wheel
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How to centre and pull clay to form basic shapes like cylinders and small bowls
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Trimming and finishing foot rings
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Decorative techniques using slips and underglazes
Handbuilding
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Introduction to clay handling and handbuilding basics using pinch pots
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Coiling and slab-building techniques to create functional items or small sculptures
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Adding texture and patterns to decorate your pieces
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Glazing and finishing techniques for the final firing
Session Structure
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Each session includes 2.5 hours of guided making time followed by 30 minutes to clean your wheel, tools, and workspace. Please note that studio cleanup is part of the scheduled class and must be completed before departure.
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At the end of Week 5, you will choose your best pieces (up to 10) to be fired.
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The final session (Week 6) is dedicated to glazing. Work must be completed by Week 5 to be fired in time. If you are unable to attend the glazing session, your pieces will be glazed in your selected colours by our team. This session cannot be rescheduled.
Studio Policy & Cancellations
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Cleanup is a shared responsibility—please help keep the studio running smoothly by tidying your space by the end of each session.
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If you are unable to attend a session, we cannot offer make-up classes.
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All cancellations must be submitted in writing via email. Refunds or exchanges are only considered for requests made at least 7 days before the course start date.
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No refunds or rescheduling for cancellations made within 48 hours of the first session.
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You may transfer your place to someone else; please email us their name in advance.
Teacher
Eugene first discovered working with clay when he was taught to handbuild by an art school teacher in 2010. Due to the shortage of ceramics courses in Hong Kong, he later then moved to London and studied for a bachelor’s degree in Central Saint Martins (2016) and a a master’s degree in Royal College of Art in ceramics (2018).
Since Eugene graduated, he has developed his passion for teaching. He teaches at different studios and art centres across London over the past few years, including private lesson, group class and taster in throwing. His teaching method is based on observing individual students throwing habits and help them to improve by giving them his professional advice with clear instructions, yet calming and encouraging. Eugene also works with college students as a mentor to guide them through their projects.
For questions or cancellations, 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.
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 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!
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
Additional information
| Date | 11th January – 15th February 2026, Sunday 1st March – 5th April 2026 |
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