Fancy learning how to be a potter?

This wonderfully inspiring 2-day course, is ran by Jon French, a Master Potter of over 37 years.

It is perfect for anyone who would love to learn how to throw and finish a clay pot and is suitable for complete beginners or anyone with existing knowledge who wishes to improve their skills.

This day course consists of:

DAY 1

Prepare clay (wedging and kneading)
Centre the clay
Throw cylinders with the aim of producing forms of even thickness
Developing basic forms
Making marbled designs with clay and coloured slips
Wiring pots off the wheel

DAY 2

Trimming pots on the wheel from day 1
Making handles
Carving designs
Using coloured slips for decoration

At the end of the course, you will then have the choice of up to 2 pots that will be glazed and fired.

Clay, aprons, and tools are provided.

Access to refreshments such as tea, coffee and water are available throughout the day.

We ask that you bring a packed lunch on both days.

At the end of the course, you will then have the choice of up to 4 pots that will be glazed and fired or you can purchase additional pots for £5 each.

There are a maximum of 8 places available with each student having their own wheel for use throughout the day.

Jon French is a Master Potter and has been working in ceramics and teaching for over 37 years. Jon’s patient and friendly teaching manner enables beginners of all abilities to throw and build the most wonderful creations.

You can read more about Jon French here

Location:
All of our courses will be held at our studio in Fenton, Stoke on Trent.

Equipment provided:
Aprons and towels will be provided for your course.

Ceramic Firings:
Included in the cost is glazing and firing of 4 pots. You can purchase additional pot firings at the end of the workshop. Please note that if you select pots to be fired, they are chargeable regardless of if they make it through the process or if you change your mind once the process has started. Please allow 4-6 weeks for your creations to be completed. Please also note that with any type of ceramics there is always a risk that your item might not make it through the firing process.

Payment Terms:
Course fees are payable at the time of booking. We reserve the right to refuse attendance on the course if payment is not received prior to the course date.

Name transfer:
You can transfer your place on the course at any time prior to the course start. No charge will be made for this providing there is no change to the course or date.

Cancellations by you:
Should you need to cancel your booking your cancellation must be received in writing at least 14 days prior to start of the course. A full refund will be made of any fees paid. We are unable to process a refund for cancellations received less than 14 days prior to the event.

Cancellations by us:
Should it be necessary due to reasons beyond our control to cancel an event then our liability is limited to a full refund of the course fee paid.

Transferring Course Dates:
Should you need to transfer your booking date you will need to contact us in writing at least 14 days prior to the event. Within this period we will be able to rearrange your course date. We are unable to change your date when notice is received less than 14 days prior to the event.

Missed Sessions:
If you have booked on to one of our courses and miss a session then this session can not be refunded or transferred to another course of the same type.

Course Suitability:
Whilst we are happy to offer advice for each course, which is for guidance only, it remains the responsibility of the delegate to decide whether a course is deemed suitable for them. All bookings are taken subject to these conditions.

Photography Disclaimer:
Please note that on occasion photography and/or filming may take place during a course, workshop or event and material from this may be used publicly for marketing or social media purposes. Parents/carers of children are required to complete a photography disclaimer form – please speak to a member of staff regarding this.

Ceramic Firings:
Please allow time for your work to be fired following your course, we will be in touch via email to inform you when the work is ready. Please also note that with any type of ceramics there is always a risk that your item might not make it through the firing process.

Gift Cards:
Our gift cards are valid for 12 months from the date stated on the gift card (after this date the gift card is no longer valid). You can redeem your gift card online with the voucher number against the specified course. Booking the course is subject to availability and we recommend booking your place as soon as possible. Details of the course, age recommendations, and duration are a guide only and are subject to change. Our gift cards cannot be exchanged for cash and are non-refundable.

Visiting from out of the area?

Why not make a day or weekend of it in the potteries?

For our recommendations of where to visit, where to stay (with a discounted rate!) and most importantly where to get the best oatcakes CLICK HERE