This 9-week evening course invites participants to explore the ancient craft of throwing; a method of forming pottery using a potter’s wheel. With a small group size of just five, the course offers tailored one-on-one tuition suitable for makers of all levels, from beginners to advanced.
You’ll start by mastering essential wheel throwing techniques and then progress to crafting both basic and intricate forms, culminating in the production of your own unique final piece.
This course caters for makers of all levels, from beginners to advanced, and accommodates just five participants. This small group size allows for personalized one-on-one support, guidance, and tuition from Matthew Wilcock.
During the workshops, you’ll learn about various clay types and will receive focused instruction on how to prepare clay.
You’ll be taught several basic throwing techniques and will be taught how to use the essential tools needed for pottery. Over the 9-week course, you’ll master the art of moulding cylindrical forms and creating functional pieces like plates, bowls, and cups.
Each workshop will focus on consistency and skill refinement, incorporating the art of trimming and carving to enhance each piece you make. Throughout, you’ll receive tailored guidance that aligns with your progress, enabling you to gradually tackle more complex forms, such as vases and lidded containers, helping you develop symmetry and proportion in your work.
Additionally, you’ll explore glazing and surface decoration techniques, experimenting with underglazes, slips, and resist methods, while learning how to apply glazes effectively to achieve your desired effects.
To further support your learning, you’ll have dedicated time for your final project, allowing you to showcase and develop your skills.
By the end of the course, you can expect to take home a unique collection of functional items, enriched by personalised one-on-one support tailored to your individual skill level.
Learning Methods
This course will be delivered on campus from 18:30 – 21:00 every Monday or 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: 8 September 2025 - workshops start
- Week 2: 15 September
- 22 September - no class
- Week 3: 29 September
- Week 4: 6 October
- 13 October - no class
- 20 October - no class
- Week 5: 27 October
- Week 6: 3 November
- Week 7: 10 November
- Week 8: 17 November
- Week 9: 24 November – last workshop
Wednesdays
- Week 1: 10 September 2025 - workshops start
- Week 2: 17 September
- 24 September - no class
- Week 3: 1 October
- Week 4: 8 October
- 15 October - no class
- 22 October - no class
- Week 5: 29 October
- Week 6: 5 November
- Week 7: 12 November
- Week 8: 19 November
- Week 9: 26 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 participants of all skill levels, from beginner to advanced.
Required Age
All students are required to be at least 16 years of age on the commencement of the course.
For Academic Year 2025/2026
Course fee: £330 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.