Ceramics: Pottery
with Martin Chesterman
Beginners will start by learning the basic techniques of coiling and pinching, slab work, modelling and carving, and throwing on the wheel. Everyone is encouraged to work at their own pace in a relaxed, informal atmosphere. You will discover some of the countless decorating techniques using slips (coloured liquid clays), glazes and oxides (stains). Once experienced, the sensual and expressive nature of clay is hard to forget, or to give up!
Experienced Students will be encouraged with ideas and directions and helped to develop more advanced techniques and skills to pursue these aims.
COURSE CODE: 038
JANUARY 2026 - MARCH 2026
Tuesdays 19:30 - 21:30
Term 2: £255
Term 2 starts on Tuesday 6 January 2026
6, 13, 20, 27 January
3, 10, 24 February
3, 10, 17, 24 March
038 BOOK NOW
COURSE CODE: 039
JANUARY 2026 - MARCH 2026
Wednesdays 10:00 - 12:30
Term 2: £318
Term 2 starts on Wednesday 7 January 2026
7, 14, 21, 28 January
4, 11, 25 February
4, 11, 18, 25 March
039 BOOK NOW
COURSE CODE: 040
JANUARY 2026 - MARCH 2026
Wednesdays 13:30 - 15:30
Term 2: £255
Term 2 starts on Wednesday 7 January 2026
7, 14, 21, 28 January
4, 11, 25 February
4, 11, 18, 25 March
040 BOOK NOW
General FAQs:
What will I need to bring?
It is a feature of the Centre’s Pottery to fire work quickly to maintain the continuity and excitement of the making for you. The pottery is well maintained and equipped with materials, wheels and a spray booth. You will however, need to bring:
- Overall, apron or old shirt
- Old towel
- Notebook and pencil
- Thin bladed knife. A ground-down butter knife is perfect.
- Wooden tools for modelling. These can often be made from scrap found in the kitchen rather than buying from a specialist.
- Broad and fine paint brushes
Material costs
The cost of finished work is calculated by weight to cover the cost of materials involved e.g. clay, glaze, firing. Minimum charges (up to 8oz) are 70p/80p/£1 depending upon the type of clay.
All fired work must be collected and paid for.
