Pottery Slowdown Courses

Our ever popular Pottery Slowdown courses are suitable for all abilities and offer an introduction to throwing, turning and decorating wheel thrown pottery. You will learn to centre your clay on the wheel and throw both cylinders and bowls as well as pulling handles and decorating with slip.

If you are a Fledgling Potter with some experience we aim to help you move to the next level in your throwing and will introduce the techniques needed to throw pots with galleries and lids, pouring vessels and larger pots.

During tea and cofffee Jo will also share her private pottery collection with you. If you are interested, you are also able to have a go at using either the Leach or Pilling kick wheels, both of which Jo has used to make her own pots over the years.

Jo makes her own clay here at the pottery, many of our potters comment on the clay and how much easier it is to throw with. Working in a real pottery is always inspiring! With a maximum of eight students per course and two tutors for every course you will get plenty of personal attention and support. Our student centred approach means that no two courses are ever the same and we are very proud that so many of our potters return to pot again!

Two Day Pottery Courses

Day one begins at 9.30 with demonstrations of clay preparation and throwing on the wheel. You will be taught how to centre your clay and throw cylinders before coffee at 11am, moving to bowls before lunch at 12.30pm. Each person will have their own electric wheel, we have Shimpo, Rhode and Potterycrafts to choose from. In the afternoon you are able to practice your throwing or have a go at hand building. In the morning on day two we will show you how to turn and trim your pots which will have dried enough to handle overnight as well as learning to pull and attach handles. In the afternoon you will decorate the pots you have made using coloured slips. Each day finishes at 4pm with tea and cake.

Three Day Pottery Courses

We are excited to be able to offer three day courses in 2022. Our three day courses allow for a return to throwing on the second day, enabling you to learn from the turning and trimming process and make further progress as well as allowing you to spend more time decorating. Our trial in summer 2021 was a real success and our potters relished the chance to spend an extra day in the pottery.

The cost of the course includes all materials as well as the cost of firing and glazing up to 2kg of your pots (approx 6 small pots). Your finished pots will be available to collect about 6 weeks after your course or can be posted for £15.

Please consider that throwing on a wheel is a physical activity which requires the use of your hands, arms, back and shoulders. If you are concerned about whether you will cope with the course please get in touch. We often have potters who mix and match throwing and handbuilding which is gentler on the body.

Lunches and refreshments

A vegetarian lunch is provided by Penny of Travels with Lemons, who has a real passion for cooking. Using home grown vegetables and seasonal produce she creates wonderfully refreshing meals which are a highlight for all of our potters.

Hot drinks, biscuits and cakes made by Jo are served at 11am and 4pm.

Courses

Course Dates

Pottery Slowdown Courses are suitable for all abilities. With two tutors we offer plenty of 1:1 teaching and can accommodate all levels of experience on all of our courses, we are very relaxed and flexible.

2024

  • 27/28 January- FULL
  • 24/25 February – FULL
  • 16/17 March -FULL
  • 11/12/13 April – FULL
  • 11/12 May- FULL
  • 5/6/7 June – FULL
  • 26/27/28 June- FULL
  • 19/20/21 July- FULL
  • 23/24/25 August – FULL
  • 21/22 September – FULL
  • 12/13 October- FULL
  • 2/3 November- FULL

2025 course dates will be released at the end of August 2024. Sign up to the newsletter to be the first to hear.

Courses are suitable for over 16s only. If you have any mobility or respiratory issues please contact us to discuss the suitability of the course and adaptations that may be required.

1:1 lessons with Jo available for experienced potters only, on the electric wheel, Leach wheel or kick wheel. Email or use contact form for more information. £80 per session.

2024 Course Fees

Cancellation six weeks before the course start date: Full refund less a £150 administration charge.

Cancellation within six weeks of the course start date: Full refund less a £150 administration fee only if we can fill the place.

Booking confirmed on receipt of payment and booking form.

2 day course with Bed and Breakfast

– £410 per person
(Based on two people sharing an en-suite
room or a single person sharing a bathroom)

2 day course non-resident

– £300 per person

3 day course with Bed and Breakfast

– £615 (Based on two people sharing an en suite room or a single person sharing a bathroom.)/p>

3 day course non-resident

– £450 per person

Additional accommodation options: Camping in the garden with your own tent including breakfast. £20pppn

Glamping in the bell tent including breakfast. £35pppn. 

Evening Classes

We have Wednesday and Thursday evening (7-9pm) and daytime (10am-12noon) classes for local potters, suitable for all abilities. These classes are currently full.