Wheel Throwing for Beginners: Bowls

COURSE CODE: EC2503C007

COURSE DATES: Wednesdays, 22nd April – 13th May 2026

TUTOR: Lisa Sjukur

DAYS: 4

TIMES: 6:30pm – 9:00pm

EXPERIENCE LEVEL: Ages 18+, Beginner

FEE: £165

LOCATION: Bankside Campus, 185 Park Street, SE1 9BL

An introduction to the fundamental skills of making pots on the pottery wheel. This is the perfect course for total beginners or those with a little experience who want to practice their core skills. You will start by learning the basics of making bowls on the potters wheel, before moving on to using more clay to create a bigger bowl.

Sessions are held in our new purpose built Ceramics studio, where we like to create a fun environment. It is a very messy activity, so please wear old clothes and cut your nails short.

This is a fun introductory course on wheel throwing, covering the core skills of centering, opening and pulling a small lump of clay (starting with 500g of clay per piece, working up to 600g – 800g). You will neaten your pots through a process called trimming, and glaze them after an initial firing. The course includes having 4 of your best pots fired for you to glaze, which can be collected after the course is complete. Learning to use the wheel proficiently is a physical skill which takes time to build. This course will provide a strong foundation in your wheel throwing journey.

Please note: The course overview provides a general overview of course content and may be subject to minor changes at the tutors discretion.

Recommend booking by: April 8, 2026

COURSE SCHEDULE

Beginner

All attendees must be aged 18 and over.

Choose a Beginners course if you are looking for a broad introduction to the medium you are studying. Students spend time learning the very basics of the taught medium, for example, how to mix colours, use different tools, set up an easel. Our Beginner courses are suitable for students with no prior experience, they tend to follow a more structured path than our other courses, ensuring each student receives the guidance they need from the tutor.

All materials are provided for this course, please wear old clothes and shoes that you don’t mind getting messy. Please also bring an old tea towel for your hands whilst throwing.

LISA SJUKUR

Lisa Sjukur is a potter with a background in graphic design. After working in that field for almost twenty years, she decided that her real passion was pottery. 

Most of her work is thrown in stoneware, starting with the wheel – throwing a form and then stretching and altering it as the wheel is moving in an attempt to make the form as expressive as possible. She uses a mixture of slips and glazes; pouring, brushing, and spraying to try to create complex textures and patterns. She generally fires her pieces in reduction multiple times until she is happy with the final result.

At present she is developing pieces for wood firing for Oxford University Kiln.

Bankside Campus

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”.

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.

Terms and Conditions

  • By booking onto one of our courses you agree to our Short Courses Terms and Conditions.

  • You will need to have paid in full before the first session of your class. Your place is not guaranteed until we have received full payment. Please book early in order to guarantee your place on the course.

Materials & Equipment

  • If you purchased a pack online this will be given to you on the first session of your course upon your arrival. Packs can be booked on our Materials Page or on this page when you book the course

  • Please don’t wear your best clothes as there is always a chance you will get messy. If possible bring an apron or overalls.

  • All artwork at the Academy MUST be taken home at the end of each session where possible, with the exception of oil paintings and sculpture works.

  • We cannot store materials at the Academy, so please take these to and from your sessions.

  • Please ensure that your mobile phone is switched off or is on silent during the class.

  • Health and Safety Guidelines will be provided to you a week before the start of your course.

Concessions and Discounts

We offer a number of concessions and discounts, please find more information on what we offer here.

Gift Vouchers

If you would like to purchase a gift voucher to be used on our courses then you can purchase these here.

£165.00

10% Early Bird sale available until Friday 27th February.

Please apply coupon code aa-earlybird-10% at checkout.

£165.00