Next Course Dates: June - August 2024
Deadline for application: 1st March 2024
Clips from our 2021 Full-Time Student's interviews
Our 2020 Full-Time Students Final show on ZOOM
Aimed at aspiring potters wanting to discover their identity as ceramists, their distinct style and preferred materials.
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Clips from our 2020 Full-Time students
Clips from students post-course interviews
The course
Maximum number of students - 8
Course length - 3 months
Times: 9.30am – 4pm
Supported learning hours - 19 hours a week mostly mornings
Private study hours – 8 hours a week
Total expected study hours a week – 30 hours
Fees - £5500 which includes most materials
Accommodation costs are not included
Course Aims
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To give potters the time, space, materials and equipment to really explore new processes in the development of their work and style.
To give them the confidence and skills needed to set up their own studio and to exhibit and sell their work.
Support Tutors
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Imogen Taylor-Noble
Gillian Godfarb
Visiting Artists
Students will learn from a team of practising ceramicists.
(Please refer to our about page for tutor profiles)
We will also be inviting some of the country's leading potters to share their expertise and knowledge such as:
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Kate Lyons-Miller - Looking at clays and their properties
Ben Davies - Introducing his Nerikomi techniques
Craig Underhill - Covering surface decorating techniques
Jeremy Steward - Exploring throwing styles
John Higgins - Experimenting with combining techniques and pushing boundaries
Linda Bloomfield - Glaze technology
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Being practitioners all our lecturers understand both the problems surrounding the creative process and what it takes to become a successful artist, supporting you professionally with marketing, pricing, finance and social media.
Work by Thea Thompson
Topics
Surface Treatments and Clay Types - Design and Concept Development - Hand Building - Throwing - Glazing and Glaze Technology – Firing Methods – Studio Management - Basic Plaster mould making - Professional Development
Work by Bregitta Folmli
Assessment – Qualification
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As yet the course is not accredited but graduates will be presented with a certificate of competition from the School, including a summary of the course content.
Students are not given grades but during individual tutorials will be constructively critiqued and encouraged. Deadlines for completing projects will be important and help to deepen their exploration and development.
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The final show is an important opportunity for each graduate to; present their work, receive feedback, make contacts, sell and take commissions. Plus working towards the show gives them invaluable experience of the pressures of deadlines.
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Maintaining excellent attendance, timekeeping, and respect for other people and the working environment will be expected.
Teaching Methods will include group and individual tutorials to discuss ideas and clarify concepts. Individual projects will be set that are specifically designed to encourage students to creatively explore and engage with their chosen themes and interests.
As well as demonstrations, talks and outings, tutors would be on hand to help and provide support for long periods most days.
Students will be encouraged to find out what they really love. If it be a piece of architecture, a pebble found on the beach or a rusty drain cover, it will help them to establish their own ideas and pathways to follow. They will also be encouraged to take risks and rise to creative challenges to really explore different working methods and the materials.
They will be expected to manage their own space, recycle clay, mix up glazes and pack and fire the kilns. Keeping a sketchbook to work through ideas, recording results and take notes will be essential. Familiarizing themselves with the history of studio ceramics, visiting galleries and following favored artists on social media will be important.
Outside kiln site
Our Salt Kiln
Joe Finch building and firing a Soda Kiln with us. Fuelled with gas and wood
Monthly Breakdown
​Phase 1 – Introduction to techniques that student may have limited knowledge of, to open up new possibilities of exploration.
Phase 2 – Students decide on a personal focus in their work.
Phase3 - Students work on producing a body of work that shows a strong direction and character for a final exhibition, a celebration of their development and the start of their professional careers as Potters.
We will continue to mentor and support them in their journey ahead.
Facilities, Materials and Working Environment
We have a fully equipped studio including 8 electric wheels, electric and gas kilns, and we can: Salt, Raku, Saggar and Pit Fire. Plus cover Oxidation and Reduction Firings.
Materials will be ordered depending on students requirements.
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There is a small kitchen with a fridge and kettle for the preparation of hot and cold drinks and light snacks.
Listening to the views of students
Student feedback is important and is obtained through project evaluation forms.
All feedback will be taken seriously and responded to as necessary.
Work by Vanessa Pasquier
Work by Helen Marriott Smith
Enrolment Process
Deadline for application is 1st March 2024
Apply online using the application form below.
Applicants should have a strong collection of ceramic pieces, sketchbooks, and any supporting material. They should show a passion and commitment to following a career in Ceramics.
All applicants will be contacted early March
Interviews will be via skype and successful applicants will be informed by mid March
Accommodation
There might be on site accommodation. We will keep you posted
