Frequently Asked Questions
Scheduling
What are the dates for upcoming courses?
Please see the dates page for current availability. Future course dates are released at intervals throughout the year. The newsletter gives announcements of when the next set of dates are being released. Newsletter subscription can be completed at the bottom of the page.
Can course dates be adapted?
Up to one date per course can be rescheduled as per availability. Please get in touch to discuss options prior to course booking.
What happens in the case of illness?
If a planned session is cancelled due to an illness rescheduling is possible. Up to one rescheduling per six week course is accommodated. Please provide as much notice as possible for cancellations.
Workshops
How hands on is the teaching style?
The style of the workshops is to focus on student led learning through direct experience. During workshops the clay is rarely handled during tuition. An exception is where there is an aim to help a student focus on a stage later in the process.
Is the Beginners course suitable for me? I have not worked with clay before.
The Beginners course is designed for those with no prior experience. Those new to wheel throwing are fully guided through the process. See details of the beginners course here.
Can I work on the wheel for the whole course? Or do I have to do hand building?
There is no requirement to hand-build for a number of sessions. Each participant has their own wheel so throwing is possible throughout.
Will I be learning as part of a large group?
All workshops have a small group size of 4 persons, giving opportunity for assistance on specific technical points where needed. While allowing plenty of chance for learners to ask questions and get one-to-one advice.
Is there a maximum number of pieces that can be fired during a course?
There is not a strict limit. Guidance would be 6 to 8 small to medium size pieces.
What are the progression options after completing a course?
For complete beginners a follow up beginners level course often works. Giving the necessary time to build upon experience gained up to that point. We offer additional individual workshops focussing on specific techniques which compliment learning on courses. See details of individual workshops here
Clay practice
Will my pieces explode in the kiln?
Explosions are uncommon here. Pieces are not fired until fully dry in the studio. They will be stored a few days longer and reserved for a later firing. Removing excess thickness in the trimming stage reduces the drying time, which minimises the likelihood of explosions.
How much clay should be trimmed away from the base of my pieces?
The aim is for a thickness through the base consistent with the thrown walls of the piece. Raising the centre of gravity up away from the base means the piece will feel evenly weighted to hold. This also helps with drying and glazing the piece evenly.
What happens to the clay if the piece I am working on goes wrong?
All clay is recycled and lives on!
Contact us
If you have any other questions please get in touch.