Pottery Beginners and Improvers

Pottery
Tuesday 16th September 2025
More times

Tue 16 Sep-2 Dec (10 wks) | 1.30-4.30pm or 6-9pm  | 18+ yrs

If the start date for this event has passed, bookings may still be available. Please contact our box office at 01539 725133 to inquire about availability. Sign up for our mailing list to receive updates on future courses!

A great way to relax, learn a new skill and make something beautiful! This course is for both beginners and those with some experience who wish to develop their work with an opportunity to try throwing pottery on the wheel and learn hand building skills.

What they say…

“I enjoyed the course very much this term, it was great to feel we were getting back to normal. Chris gave really helpful demonstrations and advice.”

What will the course cover and how will it be taught?

The course explores the practical and creative applications of clay and covers a wide variety of traditional pottery techniques. You will learn how to work safely and creatively in a pottery studio, how to make thrown and hand built pieces – and gain knowledge of decorative techniques using oxides, slips and glazes. Experienced students will learn to improve and refine their work with new techniques.

The class is run with a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. A creative approach to design and making is encouraged.

During the course you will learn to:
  • Beginners will be taught to use the basic forming techniques, which include throwing, pinching, coiling as well as slabbing.
  • Experienced students will be instructed and guided at their own level.
  • The course will also include the decoration of clay surfaces using slips, stamps and texture.
  • Finally, glaze application is taught with further decorative techniques including the use of resists and oxides.
By the end of the course you will:

Be able to make and glaze your own clay work using a wide variety of techniques. There is not time to develop all of the skills taught in the class in one short term so it is strongly recommended that students continue from one term to the next to get the most from this course.

Your tutor will discuss the course content with the class and may make some adjustments to the syllabus based on the needs of the group. He will also try to accommodate individual requirements where it is practical to do so.

Important Information

This course will be held in Studio 2. There are no classes during the weeks commencing 27 Oct or 17 Nov. 

What do I need to bring with me?

Please bring a clean apron and/or wear old clean clothes. Bring a pen, notebook and your glasses, if you need them.

Are there any additional costs?

Costs of clay, firing and glazing are included in the course fee. However, should a student want to use a significantly larger quantity of clay or make a large scale work, an additional cost may be charged.

About the tutor

Chris Barnes has a degree in Sculpture and has worked as a professional potter since 1992. He has taught Pottery with adults since 1994 and has experience of teaching Art in schools from Infant to Secondary School level.

See all Creative Learning courses here.

TICKET PRICES

GENERAL

  • Fee A£255.00

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