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11th - 13th September 2026
LEVEL 2 (THROWING SKILLS) - 3 DAY INTENSIVE COURSE with CHRIS TAYLOR
£380.00 **LUNCH INCLUDED
With a focus on production throwing, consistency of form and repetition.
FRIENDLY & INCLUSIVE
The Experience
You will learn -
skills to enable efficiency and speed
techniques to achieve balance of form and shape
good practise with clay preparation, weights and measurements & use of tools.
Chris will introduce methods & techniques using demonstrations and explanations. Support and guidance will be offered through the duration of the course.
This is more than just a Pottery Course, we are offering an experience. This is an opportunity to visit the stunning region of Dumfries and Galloway and enjoy the many great things it has to offer.
10AM - 4PM EACH DAY (BREAK FOR LUNCH)
The Teaching Day
*The studio will stay open until 6pm on both days - giving you time for extra practice, if you feel like it. *
NO PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE REQUIRED.
The cost includes all materials and equipment including 2 ** Or 4 (if on 4 day course) glazed & fired pieces. Any pieces which you would like to keep over and above what’s included will be charged at £5 per piece.
If the work needs to be posted this will be an additional cost of around £25 - £35 for P&P depending on the size and weight of the box. Also we pay extra for a ‘Fragile’ service to do the best we can to ensure no breakages.
If you’d like any further information please do contact us by email or phone: 07903937741
Breakdown Of The Course
Or if you’d like any further information before booking please contact us or by phone: 07903937741
Day 1
The course will begin with making introductions and familiarising everyone with the studio, equipment, tools and materials.
The first activity will be preparing balls of clay. Chris will show techniques of ‘wedging’ and ‘kneading’ in order to get the clay into the right consistency before also ‘weighing and balling up’ in preparation for the wheel.
The main focus of this first day will be throwing bowls with a focus on techniques to achieve speed and consistency of size & form.
Day 2
Practising cylinders will be the focus at this stage. Making a cylinder is a different process to that of bowls. You will be looking at compressing the base (to avoid future cracks), and using tools to get crisp corners on the inside. The ‘lift’ is often tricky- especially with narrow cylindrical forms - so Chris will show you methods to perfect this stage. You will be shown techniques for repeating the same cylinder shape multiple times.
Day 3
Chris will teach you efficient methods of turning your bowls (thrown on day 1). Turning bowls takes longer that actually throwing them and it a key stage in the making process. You will be practising easy ways to get your bowls centred on the wheel, before trimming off the excess clay and carving your foot ring. Again there will be a focus on consistency of design/shape/form as well as speed.
You will also learn how to refine (turn) your cylinders (made on day 2), with the focus being balance of form as well as efficient practises. Chris will offer various ways to make and join handles. This is your chance to learn how to ‘pull and handle’ in the traditional way - with reference to scale, shape, curve etc…
Chris will show you tricks he has learned over his many years as a production potter, to be able to make the shapes you want and repeat.
LUNCH:
12:30pm resuming at 1:30 pm.
We can provide a delicious lunch of fresh crusty bread, cheeses, cold meats & salad.
WE CANNOT CATER FOR ALLERGIES
Things to do and see in Dumfries and Galloway
Accommodation
Holiday Inn Dumfries
The Holiday Inn is ideally located within the beautiful Crichton Estate, a 5 minute stroll through stunning gardens to Clay Works Studios. This has been regularly booked by previous attendees of the Intensive Courses and the feedback has been positive. We have partnered with The Holiday Inn and really pleased to be able to offer you a special deal on the accommodation which is discounted to £99 per night.
If you would like to book please email reception@hidumfries.co.uk or call 01387 272410 and quote ‘Clay Works Studios’.
If you are bringing your family or friends along with you to make a holiday of the experience, here are some useful links.
GALLOWAY OUTDOOR ACTIVITY CENTRE →
RESTAURANTS & FOOD:
If you’d like any further information please do contact us by email or phone: 07903937741
We look forward to welcoming you!