COURSE CODE: SC2503053
COURSE DATES: Monday 30th March – Thursday 2nd April 2026
TUTOR: Laura Postle
DAYS: 4
TIMES: 10:00am - 4:30pm
EXPERIENCE LEVEL: Ages 18+, All Levels
FEE: £395
LOCATION: Bankside Campus, 185 Park Street, SE1 9BL
This four day course will teach you the fundamental techniques to capture a model’s likeness in clay. By learning methods of observation, measurement and anatomy, beginners and experienced artists alike, will learn to
– Confidently set up a portrait sculpture
– Measure correctly using callipers and comparative measurement techniques
– Work with clay, using your hands and wooden modelling tools
– Observational skills and how having a correct eye-line is essential
– Model light and shadow, flesh and bone
There is the option to hollow and fire your pieces at the end of the course. Please note that there is an additional cost for hollowing and firing of clay sculptures.
Recommend booking by: March 16, 2026
All attendees must be aged 18 and over.
This course is suitable for all levels. Students can move at their own pace depending on their experience, with as much support from the Tutor as they wish. This means an student from the following experience levels can join this course:
Choose a Beginners course if you are looking for a broad introduction to the medium you are studying. Our Beginner courses are suitable for students with no prior experience.
Choose a Beginner + course if you are looking to hone your skills, focus on a specific subject area and build your confidence. These courses are suitable for those with some basic skills in and knowledge of the taught medium.
Our Intermediate courses are suitable for students who have considerable prior knowledge of the taught medium or have completed a Beginners/Beginners + course with the Art Academy.
Choose our Advanced courses if you have considerable knowledge in the taught medium. You are expected to be able to work independently and have critical discussions around your work.
Please bring old clothes as you may get messy
Most equipment and materials are provided but depending on your chosen creative approach in the latter part of the course, you may need to source some materials yourself, also bring your own sketchbook if you have one.
If you work in clay without an armature, you will be offered the opportunity to have your clay pieces fired. Hollowing is necessary before a piece can be fired. This is optional and additional hollowing and firing costs will apply.
Hollowing Fees
£15 for a small figure; £20 for a portrait head; £20 for a large figure
Firing Fees
£15 for a small figure; £20 for a portrait head; £20 for a large figure
If you are using metal wire there may be an additional charge. The cost will depend on the amount of wire used.
The Hollowing and Firing process takes at least 6-8 weeks. Make sure that you take a photograph of your work for identification. You will be informed by email when your sculpture is ready to be picked up.
Laura Postle is a figurative sculptor based between Bristol, London and Italy. She first graduated with a B.A. in Illustration before going on to classically train, for 3 years, in Figurative Sculpture and Drawing at the Florence Academy of Art, Italy. She was awarded ‘Sculpture of the Year’ 2011, ‘Anatomical Sculpture of the Year’ 2010 and ‘Best Anatomical Drawings’ of 2009.
185 Park Street,London SE1 9BL tel: +44 (0) 207407 6969
This is our new purpose built accessible campus. Find more information here
Nearest Tube/ Rail: London Bridge or Southwark (both a 10-15 minute walk). Please note that London Bridge has two exits, the most direct route is to follow signs to “Borough Market”.
Bankside Campus
Students are welcome to use The Hub during break times, where you can prepare hot drinks and/or food. You must bring your own keep-cup, water bottle or food container to the Academy as mugs, glasses, and containers will not be available in our Bankside campus.
Tea and coffee will be provided by the Academy and is available from the island unit at the end of The Hub.
We offer a number of concessions and discounts, please find more information on what we offer here.
If you would like to purchase a gift voucher to be used on our courses then you can purchase these here. Terms and Conditions
Materials & Equipment
Concessions and Discounts
Gift Vouchers
£395.00
Please apply coupon code aa-earlybird-10% at checkout.