Join ceramicist Ed Hill on this 2 day workshop making a teapot on the wheel - one of the most challenging pieces to make as a potter

The workshop will involve every aspect of teapot making. You will work through ideas and methods that include - throwing the body of the pot - with larger amounts of clay, considering form and size , throwing lids to fit our pots, adding holes for the function of pouring , throwing thin spouts with tiny amounts of clay and finally attaching and making handles in a traditional manner. You will then explore various approaches to each component and design and share our ideas as a group .

Each stage of throwing each part on the wheel will be broken down and taught with multiple demonstrations and one-to-one guidance . There will be a focus on hand movements , clay preparation and each stage of the shape will be explored to give a full understanding of how to get from lump of clay to finished teapot.

You will learn and decide which specific shapes you would like to focus on , all whilst gaining further understanding of the motions and stages needed to get a finished functional teapot. Further focus will be on measuring clay weight , creating the right forms using throwing tools and ribs and finishing pots to a fine standard.

If desired , you can speed dry pots and trim to create a trimmed foot, examples of trimming tools and their exact use will be demonstrated as well as tips and techniques on trimming with control and accuracy.

At the end of this 2 day workshop, you will have much more confidence in all aspects of throwing on the wheel and a fundamental understanding of the process and motions needed to create beautiful teapots. You will share your thoughts and favourite techniques through discussion in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.

meet your tutor

Ed is a ceramic artist currently working from a studio in Stroud. Ed graduated with a BA in Fine Art from University College Falmouth, 2014. His practice has evolved through painting into clay sculpture, ceramics and aspects of studio pottery, with wheel thrown forms, plates and painterly glaze application being a major focus. He has previously worked in a porcelain dinnerware company and apprenticed to a very well-established potter who specialised in handmade restaurant-ware and studio pottery . In these roles he gained a lot of experience in the material properties of clay and glaze , throwing, kiln firing and running studios.

In his own work he uses thrown forms as a ‘canvas’ to work on, making glazes from scratch and experiment with methods of surface, design, colour, application, raw materials, clay types and kiln firing using electric and gas. he is interested in making expressive work that is contemporary whilst containing references to ceramic movements of the 20th century. Emphasis is spent developing shapes that are personal and appealing whilst aiming for a timelessness, warmth of feeling and atmosphere.

Tutor: Ed Hill
Date & Time: Sat 25th Jan, 10am - 4pm & Sun 26th Jan, 10am - 3:30pm 
Venue: Wheel Studio, New Brewery Arts  

PRICE:   
Residential Option (including 2-night stay)  
£380 (£0.00 VAT)  
  
Non-residential Option  
£240 (£0.00 VAT)

Who is this for?

Intermediate level potters

This workshop is best suited to those who are very comfortable on the wheel already; able to centre and throw delicately with larger weights of clay and very small amounts of clay.

This workshop is for those aged 18 and over.  

What you will need:

All materials will be provided

Please tie long hair back and wear something you are happy to get messy in, or bring an apron

All materials and firings are included - 1 piece of work will be fired with a transparent glaze. Firings can take up to 6 weeks. We will contact you when your work is ready for collection.

For more information:   
Visit our FAQ page 

Accommodation

You will be staying in our stylish accommodation on site. The Barrel Store accommodation will be reserved for students for the whole weekend and you will each have a room of your own. 2-night stay includes Friday 24th & Saturday 25th January

An additional 1-night stay on Sunday 26th January is an optional extra.  

Catering

This weekend residential course includes breakfast and lunch as well as teas, coffees and homemade cake.

For your evening meal, you will have access to a fully equipped kitchen in your accommodation. Alternatively, we have a number of recommendations for eateries in Cirencester.

If you are attending the 2-day ‘Non-residential Option’ lunch on both days is included in the ticket price, as well as teas, coffees and homemade cake.