Family Wheelwork Pottery (FA97)

Explore the world of clay together and learn how to make wheel thrown pottery!

What will you learn on this course?

During this one-day course, you will learn how to make wheel thrown pottery such as a small bowl or cup. This is the perfect environment to encourage your family’s creativity. 

Your tutor will demonstrate the key stages of clay preparation and wheel throwing before you get stuck in to have a go yourself. Learn the technique of turning to finish your work ready to be fired. Each participant will aim to produce at least two finished bowls or cylinders. 

The tutor will encourage you to develop your skills and through repetition to build your confidence, encouraging you to be selective about work that is retained for firing, so that you deepen your understanding of the art of wheelwork.

By the end of this course, participants will have learned how to use of the equipment in the ceramic studio safely and correctly and a range of techniques to make a high-quality ceramic piece. 

Please note that your finished piece will need time to dry out and be fired twice in MAC’s kilns. Your work will be ready for collection 4 weeks after the date of your workshop. We will contact you when the work is ready. When you arrive at MAC please ask for an Art Studio Technician or a Duty Manager who will be happy to help you retrieve your piece from our secure pottery cages. By the nature of ceramics there is always a risk of technical failure, cracks or explosions for which we cannot be held responsible.

Who is this course for? 

This course is suitable for young people aged 12 to 17 years accompanied by their parents or guardians who are looking for an opportunity to enjoy learning together. It is open to all levels. Those with little or no experience of pottery will be shown demonstrations for the various techniques used, and those with previous experience will be able to self-direct their work with guidance from the tutor. 

The course is accessible for people of all abilities. All classes are planned to meet the specific needs of the group. You do need dexterity in your hands to work with clay. The room is wheelchair accessible. 

Age ranges are set carefully to consider key age developments, materials being used, and course stimulus. It is very important that age ranges are not too large or across key stages and therefor need to be adhered to. 

Do you need to bring anything? 

All materials and equipment are provided. 

There is a one-hour break for lunch, not provided.

Are there any additional costs?

The course price includes all materials and the firing of your work. 

The course price covers one adult and one child. There is a charge for each additional person (child or adult). At least one adult must be present for every three children.

Who teaches this course? 

Rachel Jennings