This 9-week evening course invites participants to explore the ancient craft of throwing; a method of forming pottery using a potter’s wheel. Aimed at beginners and those with an interest in expanding their clay skills, participants will be taught fundamental wheel throwing techniques and will learn how to form basic and intricate shapes before producing their own final outcome.
This introductory course provides participants with an overview of pottery as an art form. Participants will be taught about clay types and will be taught how to prepare clay.
Following this participants will be taught a number of basic throwing techniques as well as how to use the essential tools required.
During the 9-week period, participants will learn how to mould cylindrical forms and will learn how to make their own functional pieces such as plates, bowls or cups.
Consistency and refinement of techniques will be a central focus throughout each workshop and participants will learn the art of trimming and carving in order to refine each piece made.
Guidance will be provided throughout and as participants build on their wheel throwing skills, more complex forms such as vases and lidded containers will be introduced. This allows participants to develop their ability to achieve symmetry and proportion within their work.
In addition, participants are provided the opportunity to delve into different glazing and surface decoration techniques this involves experimenting with underglazes, slips and resist methods. At the same time participants will be taught how to apply glazes and how to achieve their own desired effects.
Furthermore, participants are encouraged to exercise their newly acquired skills and are provided time to work on their own final project.
Participants can expect to take home a small and unique collection of functional items.
Disclaimer
The University regularly reviews its courses. Course content and structure may change over time. See our course and module disclaimer for more information.
Learning Methods
This course will be delivered on campus from 18:30 – 21:00 every Wednesday for 9 weeks.
Activity Summary
- Minimum of 5 students, maximum of 5 in the group
- 22.5 hours of teaching in total over 9 evenings, 18:30 – 21:00
Timetable
Mondays
- Week 1: 2 September 2024 workshops start
- Week 2: 9 September
- Week 3: 16 September
- 23 September - no workshop due to public holiday
- Week 4: 30 September
- Week 5: 7 October
- 14 October - no workshop due to public holiday
- 21 October - no workshop due to public holiday
- Week 6: 28 October
- Week 7: 4 November
- Week 8: 11 November
- Week 9: 18 November - last workshop
Wednesdays
- Week 1: 4 September 2024 - workshops start
- Week 2: 11 September
- Week 3: 17 September
- 25 September - no class due to public holiday
- Week 4: 2 October
- Week 5: 9 October
- 16 October - no class due to public holiday
- 23 October - no class due to public holiday
- Week 6: 30 October
- Week 7: 6 November
- Week 8: 13 November
- Week 9: 20 November – last workshop
Assessment
This course is not formally assessed.
Staff Delivering on this Course
Matthew Wilcock
Winner of the first BBC ‘The Great Pottery Throw Down’ competition, Matthew Wilcock is known internationally and has been involved in ceramics from a young age.
Since graduating with a degree in ceramics, Wilcock has taught in a wide range of schools, colleges, and universities and currently teaches at Gray’s School of Art.
In his own practice, the ceramicist focuses on functional, thrown pots made for everyday use.
Entry Requirements
There are no formal entry requirements for this course.
The workshop is suitable for beginners and those with an interest in expanding their clay skills.
Required Age
All students are required to be at least 16 years of age on the commencement of the course.
For Academic Year 2024/2025
Course fee: £270 per person
The fee is to be paid as part of sign up process and prior to the first session.
After completing the registration form, you will be directed to the payment page. Your place on the course is not confirmed until payment has been received. If you have any difficulties locating the payment link or if you have registered for this course but have not completed the payment form, please contact us for a direct link to pay which will bypass registration.
Additional Costs
Essential core materials are provided.
The following course-related costs are not included in the course fees:
Course Cancellation
If minimum participant numbers for this course are not met, the course will be cancelled and participants will receive a full refund.
If you have registered and paid for your place on the course, but now wish to cancel, please email engage@rgu.ac.uk at least 48 hours prior to the first evening session commencing.
Disclaimer
For new intakes course fees are reviewed and published annually for each mode of delivery. Tuition fees are fixed for the duration of a course at the rate confirmed in advance. For further information see:
Any questions?
Get in touch with the Engage Team and we'll do our best to help.