Creating with Earthenware Clay hand-building short course; 

This is a six-week evening course of two-hour sessions, from Thursday 27 February to Thursday 3 April.

With experienced guest potter, Rupert of Brakspear Ceramics, you will learn or further develop simple hand-building techniques to make up to three finished items to take home, such as cups, beakers, small bowls, jugs or vases.

The first week is an induction for those new to working with clay. If you have attended this course previously you have the option of attending for five weeks and missing the induction week.

This short course suits beginners as well as those with experience. All materials are included, with refreshments on arrival.

The Museum of Royal Worcester is known for its spectacular collection of porcelain and bone china but many of the workers making these fine objects would have used earthenware vessels at home. Starting in the Museum Displays in week one, we will explore hand-building and decorating techniques using earthenware clays that have been practiced in these islands since the Neolithic.

The course focuses on hand-building rather than throwing, encompassing pinch pots, coil building and slab-building, and will introduce a variety of ideas for surface decoration and treatment, including use of slips and simple glazes.

Over 6 weeks you will gain skills and be supported to experiment and discover forming and decorating techniques in this tactile, local and everyday clay material:

• Week 1: An introduction to ceramics, starting with a presentation and a quick visit to the Museum gallery, plus a detailed, hands-on introduction to pinch pot making.
• Week 2: A detailed hands-on introduction to the two other key hand-building techniques; coil and and slab building, followed by working on designs and plans for your own pots
• Week 3: An introduction to decorative techniques – including use of slips, plus time for working towards finished pieces
• Week 4: Working towards finished pieces
• Week 5: Finishing touches and introduction to simple glazes. Preparation for biscuit firing
• Week 6: Glazing biscuit fired work

This is a course that will connect directly to both the Museum display and the suitability of different clays across these islands for different uses and outcomes.

Course leader Rupert Brakspear has more than thirty years of ceramic practice and a background in archaeology, education and sustainable development.

Please wear covered shoes and old clothes/an apron that you don’t mind getting clay on.

£165.00 for the full 6 week course; returning participants can choose to do 5 weeks for £137.50

Book your space here