Ceramics: Pottery

Ceramics: Pottery •

with Martin Chesterman

Tuesdays 19:30 - 21:30

Wednesdays 10:00 - 12:30

Wednesdays 13:30 - 15:30

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.



Tuesdays 19:30 - 21:30

COURSE CODE 038

Term 3: £282 NOW FULL

April 2026 - July 2026

14, 21, 28 April

5, 12, 19 May

2, 9, 16, 23, 30 June

7 July

Term 1 2026: £319

SEPTEMBER 2026 - DECEMBER 2026

8, 15, 22, 29 September

6, 13, 20 October

3, 10, 17, 24 November

1, 8 December

Term 3: £348

JANUARY 2026 - MARCH 2026

15, 22, 29 April

6, 13, 20 May

3, 10, 17, 24 June

1, 8 July

Wednesdays 10:00 - 12:30

COURSE CODE 039

Term 1 2026: £399

SEPTEMBER 2026 - DECEMBER 2026

9, 16, 23, 30 September

7, 14, 21 October

4, 11, 18, 25 November

2, 9 December

Wednesdays 13:30 - 15:30

COURSE CODE 040

Term 3: £282

APRIL 2026 - JULY 2026

15, 22, 29 April

6, 13, 20 May

3, 10, 17, 24 June

1, 8 July

Term 1 2026: £319

SEPTEMBER 2026 - DECEMBER 2026

9, 16, 23, 30 September

7, 14, 21 October

4, 11, 18, 25 November

2, 9 December

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.