Beginner’s Ceramics – Large Vessels – C7863

This 7-week beginner’s pottery course will focus on traditional hand-building techniques and introduce you to the plasticity of clay as a material. You will explore the potential and limitations of plastic clay in the development of coiled and pinched experimental vessels. Using traditional techniques and source material you will design a range of large vessels and produce one of these.

Year 1

You will learn how to create surface texture and pattern using impressing, stamping and ‘sgraffito’ techniques. These techniques will be developed using found objects as well as standard pottery decoration tools.

You will explore the potential of decorating slip (liquid clay) to apply colour, inlay, stencilling and the burnishing technique to create a smooth, strong finish. Inspirational source material will be provided by the tutor, and you will be free to provide your own ideas too. Found objects can be used for inspiration and application of decoration. Vessels can be sculptural or functional.
You will understand the basics of glazing and firing. Health Safety in the workshop will also be covered.

No previous experience is necessary, just an interest in the subject.

There are no assessments or exams. Your tutor will support and guide you through the course and help you develop your skills through one to one feedback.

Tuition fees

Tuition Fees (19+): £25.00

Disclaimer

If the course is longer than one year the total fees are for the first year only and further fees may apply in future years. All fees are based on a ‘home’ learner status. Please contact us for information on overseas fees.

For more information, please see our course fee disclaimers page.

Learn more about fees

This course is designed to provide you with the knowledge and skills to progress onto other areas of practical crafts. You will have opportunities to progress onto further courses, or you may wish to take your experience forward into designing and producing your own work at home, utilising the skills you have developed.

Apply online via the college website. You will be contacted to attend an interview if required, or you will be sent a conditional offer according to the entry requirements for the course. You will then be invited in to enrol for your chosen course of study.

Once you have decided to take the course, you need to fill in a short learner details form online and pay the course fee. Once you have done this, you will receive an electronic confirmation of enrolment and payment.