Intermediate Throwing (Wednesday evenings 7:15-9:30pm)

with Vesna Braith

Summer Term 2025 Course Dates

30 April

7, 14, 21 May

(Half term 28 May)

4, 11, 18, 25 June

2, 9, 16, 23 July

Course Overview

This throwing course is designed for students who have completed an introductory throwing course and are ready to refine their skills and to explore more ambitious techniques. The sessions are focussed on enhancing your throwing abilities, introducing more complex forms, and perfecting finishes.

Course Objectives

  • Improve precision and control on the wheel

  • Master advanced throwing techniques

  • Create complex forms and larger pieces

  • Develop personal style and artistic expression

  • Learn glazing and decorating methods

Prerequisites:

  • Completion of a beginner’s throwing course or equivalent experience

  • Basic proficiency in centering, pulling, and forming simple shapes

Enrolment:

  • Limited to 8 students to ensure personalized instruction

  • Early registration is recommended

Lesson Summary

Each class will commence with preparing sufficient clay for the session, followed by a demonstration by the tutor. The students will then have supervised wheel practice. The final 15 minutes will be cleaning up the wheel, the tools, the floor, mirror and work surfaces.

This is a practical hands on course developing confidence with the potters wheel closely supervised by a tutor who is an experienced thrower.

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Course Structure:

Week 1-2: Review and Skill Assessment

  • Review of basic throwing techniques

  • Individual skill assessment to tailor instruction

  • Introduction to course objectives and expectations

Week 3-4: Advanced Centering and Pulling

  • Techniques for centering larger amounts of clay

  • Pulling taller and thinner walls

  • Throwing consistent cylinders and bowls

(Half Term: it is also possible to join at week 5)

Week 5-6: Complex Forms and Shapes

  • Throwing lidded forms, teapots, and multi-part pieces

  • Techniques for creating handles and spouts

  • Introduction to throwing off the hump

Week 7-8: Precision and Consistency

  • Throwing to specific measurements

  • Repeat/production throwing techniques

  • Creating sets of matching pieces

Week 9-10: Surface Decoration and Glazing

  • Advanced decorating techniques: carving, slip trailing, and sgraffito

  • Exploring different glazing methods and effects

  • Preparing pieces for bisque and glaze firing

Week 11-12: Personal Projects and Critique

  • Students work on personal projects with instructor guidance

  • Group critique sessions to provide feedback and insights

  • Finalizing and glazing personal projects

All necessary tools and materials are provided for these courses, except for a £10 per kilo charge for firing, including bisque and glaze firings. Please note that this charge may increase due to rising electricity costs.

According to your own particular project, you may need extra clay, which can be purchased at the studio as required.