This 9-week evening workshop 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 workshop 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 workshop caters for makers of all levels, from beginners to advanced, and accommodates just five participants. This small group size allows for personalised 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-weeks, 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.
Upon completing the workshops, 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.
The use of sketchbooks is recommended for recording ideas, experimenting with designs, and tracking progress.
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: 19 January - first workshop
- Week 2: 26 January
- Week 3: 2 February
- 9 February - no workshop due to public holiday
- Week 4: 16 February
- Week 5: 23 February
- Week 6: 2 March
- Week 7: 9 March
- Week 8: 16 March
- Week 9: 23 March - last workshop
Wednesdays
- Week 1: 21 January - first workshop
- Week 2: 28 January
- Week 3: 4 February
- 11 February - no workshop due to public holiday
- Week 4: 18 February
- Week 5: 25 February
- Week 6: 4 March
- Week 7: 11 March
- Week 8: 18 March
- Week 9: 25 March - last workshop
Tools and equipment
Workshops will take place in our purpose-built Ceramics Workshop at Gray’s School of Art, where participants will work with shared tools and equipment.
Participants should bring the following each week:
- An apron or overalls
- A small pot(s) or jar with a lid (for slip or glaze)
- Cling film or a plastic bag (to keep work airtight)
- A camera or phone for visual documentation
Core materials are provided, and work produced during the sessions will be fired as part of the fee.
Please note that final pieces requiring firing will need to be collected at a later date. Depending on the firing schedule, this may take up to four weeks. Participants will be notified by email once their work is ready, with collection dates and times provided.
Assessment
This workshop is not formally assessed.
Workshop facilitator
Matthew Wilcock, winner of the first BBC Great Pottery Throw Down, is a ceramic maker, educator, and collector based in northeast Scotland, where he lectures in ceramics at Gray’s School of Art.
Raised in a family of potters, he has worked with clay since childhood. His practice focuses on hand-made, functional pottery, drawing inspiration from the post–Arts and Crafts movement and the Leach Tradition of British Studio Pottery.
Alongside his making, Wilcock explores how modern technologies can enhance ceramic education.
He has taught widely across Europe and co-founded Aberdeen Ceramics Studio which provides open-access facilities for creative communities.
Aberdeen Ceramics Studio (ACS)
ACS is a community clay studio located within Deemouth Business Centre in Torry, Aberdeen. ACS are dedicated to fostering creativity, learning, and connection, welcoming people of all ages and skill levels through classes, workshops, and memberships.
Entry Requirements
There are no formal entry requirements for this workshop.
The workshop is suitable for participants of all skill levels, from beginner to advanced.
Required Age
All students are required to be at least 18 years of age on the commencement of the workshop.
For Academic Year 2025/2026
Course fee: £340 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:
Workshop Cancellation & Changes
If minimum participant numbers for this 9-week workshop are not met, the workshop will be cancelled and participants will receive a full refund.
If you’ve signed up and paid for this workshop but need to cancel, please email us at engage@rgu.ac.uk at least 7 days before the first evening session begins.
If the named practitioner is unable to deliver the scheduled workshop, the session may be cancelled or delivered by an alternative facilitator.
Disclaimer
Fees are regularly reviewed and published for each series of workshops. Tuition fees are fixed for the duration of a workshop/course at the rate confirmed during the application process.
Any questions?
Get in touch with the Engage Team and we'll do our best to help.