Description
Masterclass: James Evans – Textured Slab Forms and Dynamic Handbuilding
County Hall Pottery, London
Dates: 19 – 20 September
Times: 10:00 – 16:00
Price: £250 per person
Duration: Two-day Masterclass
Short Introduction
Join James Evans for a two-day masterclass exploring textured slab building and the creation of flowing, dynamic ceramic forms. Participants will be introduced to new approaches for shaping, texturing and assembling clay, with an emphasis on understanding how the material can be controlled, manipulated and encouraged to move.
Designed for makers with some previous experience, this relaxed and informative course offers an opportunity to challenge familiar ways of working, experiment with new techniques and discover fresh possibilities in clay. The focus will be on play, exploration and developing confidence rather than producing a large quantity of finished work.
Course Overview
This practical two-day masterclass focuses on building textured slab forms and using individual clay components to create dynamic, expressive structures.
Through a combination of presentation, demonstration, guided exercises, practical making and group discussion, participants will explore methods developed by the tutor for creating surface, movement and structure. You will learn how to prepare and manipulate slabs, create interesting textures and profiles, and assemble separate elements into flowing forms.
Participants will be encouraged to test the limits of the material, take creative risks and respond to the behaviour of the clay throughout the making process. The aim is not to leave with a box full of finished wares, but to develop a deeper understanding of the material, enjoy the process of experimentation and gain techniques that can be continued independently after the course.
What You Can Expect
Day 1
The first day will begin with a short presentation introducing the tutor’s approach, working methods and ideas behind the course.
This will be followed by practical demonstrations and hands-on exercises using techniques developed by the tutor. Participants will explore ways of preparing, texturing and manipulating slabs, with guidance on controlling the clay while retaining a sense of movement and spontaneity.
During the afternoon, participants will begin creating the individual textured components that will later be assembled into larger forms. Technical guidance and individual support will be provided throughout the day.
By the end of Day 1, participants will have produced a selection of textured slab elements and developed ideas for how these components might be combined.
Day 2
On the second day, participants will continue developing their work by assembling the individual components made on Day 1.
The tutor will demonstrate methods for joining, supporting and refining the forms while maintaining a sense of flow, balance and movement. Participants will receive guidance on troubleshooting structural issues and responding to the condition of the clay during assembly.
Once the forms have been assembled and refined, the group will discuss finishing and decorative techniques, including the use of iron powder. The course will conclude with a review of the work produced and a discussion about how the techniques can be developed further in participants’ own studios.
What Participants Will Learn
By the end of the course, participants will have learned:
- How to prepare and build with textured clay slabs.
- How to create interesting surface patterns and profiles using found or textured materials.
- How to manipulate slabs into flowing, dynamic shapes.
- How to create and assemble individual components into a larger ceramic form.
- How to control the condition of the clay during construction and assembly.
- How to refine joins, edges, surfaces and structural transitions.
- How iron powder and related finishing methods can be used to enhance ceramic surfaces.
- How to experiment confidently and use play as part of the creative process.
- How to troubleshoot common structural and material problems.
- How to continue developing similar forms independently.
What Participants Will Take Away
Participants will take away:
- A collection of experimental textured slab studies and components created during the course.
- One selected ceramic piece to be bisque-fired and collected at a later date.
- An understanding of methods for creating and assembling textured slab forms.
- Practical knowledge of finishing and decorating techniques, including the use of iron powder.
- Greater confidence in controlling and responding to clay.
- New ideas and processes to continue exploring in their own studio practice.
- Renewed energy to question, experiment and build upon their existing skills.
Finished Work, Firing and Collection
Firing and collection details:
At the end of the masterclass, each participant will be able to select one piece for bisque firing at County Hall Pottery. The remaining work should be regarded primarily as experimental material produced as part of the learning process.
The bisque-fired piece may be collected at a later date and decorated at the participant’s leisure using methods introduced during the course. Collection dates will depend on the studio’s firing schedule and will normally fall within 3–6 weeks.
Skill Level
Suitable for: Intermediate
Skill level notes:
This course is designed for participants who already have some experience of working with clay and would like to challenge themselves, expand their handbuilding skills and explore new creative possibilities.
Participants do not need previous experience of the specific techniques covered, but should feel comfortable handling clay and following a multi-stage making process.
Materials and Equipment
Clay type:
[Stoneware / Other clay type to be confirmed]
Materials included:
Clay and standard studio materials required for the practical exercises are [included / to be confirmed]. Iron powder and any specialist finishing materials used during demonstrations are [included / to be confirmed].
Tools or specialist equipment required:
Standard pottery and handbuilding tools will be used. Any specialist tools or equipment will be provided by County Hall Pottery or the tutor unless otherwise stated.
Participants should bring:
- Suitable clothes for working with clay.
- A notebook or sketchbook for recording techniques and ideas.
- Any preferred personal pottery tools, if desired.
- A textured object, piece of fabric or similar item that can be pressed into clay to create interesting surface patterns and profiles.
Bringing a textured object is helpful but not essential.
About the Teacher
James Evans is a London-based ceramic artist whose sculptural practice draws on the human form, architecture and the passage of time. Originally from Suffolk, he studied ceramics at Central Saint Martins before receiving a full scholarship to continue his studies at the University of Colorado Boulder, where working at a larger scale transformed his approach to materials and form.
Since establishing his South London studio in 1990, he has exhibited widely in the UK and internationally. His work has been shown at the Barbican Centre, Crafts Council, Marsden Woo and Midlands Arts Centre, and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. He was shortlisted for the Jerwood Applied Arts Prize in 2001 and the Arts Foundation Fellowship in 2004.
His recent work explores flowing, textured slabs and forms that evoke eroded architectural fragments or reclaimed stone. Through subtle curves, folds, weight and balance, he creates objects that suggest both bodily movement and the weathered remains of the past.
Key Information / Practical Details
Dates: 19 – 20 September
Times: 10:00 – 16:00
Location: County Hall Pottery, Belvedere Road, Waterloo, London, SE1 7PB
Duration: Two-day Masterclass
Class size: Maximum 12 students
Skill level: Intermediate
Clay type: Stoneware
Materials: Included
Firing: Bisque firing of one selected piece included
Price: £250 per person
Lunch break: 1-2pm
Optional Additional Information
This masterclass is centred on exploration rather than production. Participants should not expect to complete a large number of finished pieces. Instead, the course provides dedicated time to investigate the possibilities of textured slabs, understand the behaviour of clay and develop a more experimental approach to making.
Participants will be encouraged to push the limits of the material while learning how to recognise and respond to its structural needs. The course is particularly valuable for makers who feel ready to move beyond familiar techniques, challenge established habits and introduce greater movement, spontaneity and curiosity into their practice.
Please bring a textured object, piece of fabric or another suitable material that can be used to impress patterns into clay. This is recommended but not essential.
The tutor looks forward to welcoming participants and supporting a relaxed, generous and creatively energising weekend of making.
Artist Talk
Date: Thursday 10 September 2026
Time: 6:00pm–8:00pm
Doors open: 6:00pm
Price: £15 standard / £10 concession
Duration: Two hours
Format: Illustrated artist talk and audience Q&A
Bookings via: https://countyhallpottery.com/product/artist-talk-james-evans/
