Thrown Ceramics
COURSE CODE: E2402S0014
COURSE DATES: Monday 20th January – 24th March 2025
TUTOR: Adele Williams
DAYS: 10
TIMES: 10:00am - 4:30pm
EXPERIENCE LEVEL: Ages 18+, All Levels
FEE: £675
LOCATION: Bankside Campus, 185 Park Street, SE1 9BL
Course overview for Thrown Ceramics
Learn how to throw and trim clay forms on the potter’s wheel. This course will teach the fundamental skills of centering a piece of clay, opening and stretching it into an even balanced form, trimming the partially dried pots to refine the shape, considering surface and texture, plus adding colour through slip and glaze decorating techniques.
Initially, cylinders and bowls will be taught to give a solid understanding of the core techniques. You will start by using 500g balls of clay, working up to 1kg per thrown item. After an exhibition visit, you’ll develop a project to advance these core skills. This could for instance be concentrating on throwing larger or more complex shapes or using the wheel to make shapes that could then be cut, altered or joined. In combination with developing your understanding of the decorating techniques.
Learning outcomes
Students will be able to:
- Operate a wheel and make clay forms utilising different techniques
- Understand and work with the drying and firing process to create a desired outcome
- Understand how and when to apply decoration using texture, slip and glaze
- Plan and complete a self-initiated personal project.
- Apply studio management skills (minimising waste through recycling clay and wedging)
- Apply safe working practices at all times.
Recommend booking by: January 1, 2025
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.Beginner
All materials are provided for this course. £34 material costs for clay glaze and slips. 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.
Adele Williams runs ceramic courses and workshops across London, and is also a studio potter creating work from Clay collective. Since setting up Clay Collective with a collective of makers in 2016, they have run workshops at Somerset House and Tate Modern.
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.
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.
Artwork by Adele Williams