Improvers & Intermediate

‍ Progressing Skills

‍ Each of the In Focus workshops explores a skill through rigorous repetition. The teaching is rooted in repetition and instructive feedback. The participant leaves with a stronger skill set and one fired pot to remember the experience. Participants are encouraged to bring a notebook and pen to take notes.

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Overview

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This three-day course focuses on the making of a teacup and saucer as a considered functional pair. Participants will explore the relationship between cup, saucer, and hand, paying close attention to proportion, balance, and use. Inspiration will be drawn from the (compared to current day standard) finer standard ware thrown forms of teacups and saucers of the 1950s.

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Through demonstration, guided practice, and discussion, the course examines the challenges of making two forms that must work together: the cup must feel comfortable to hold and drink from, while the saucer must support and frame it. Attention will be given to rim profile, foot design, and how small adjustments can significantly affect function.

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The course is grounded in the Leach Pottery’s tradition of functional ware and thoughtful craftsmanship. This class will explore the finer standard ware tea sets of the mid 20th Century as well as more traditional examples. Participants will try to emulate certain forms and then design and make their own version.

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This course is taught to small groups of 5 in one of the new purpose-built Learning & Production Studios at the Leach Pottery.

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Structure

Day 1

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• introduction to teacup and saucer forms and examples

• demonstration: throwing a cup with attention to proportion and rim

• discussion of volume, weight, and balance

• individual throwing practice

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Participants will aim to throw several cups and saucers to explore variation and refine intention.

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Day 2

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Day two focuses on the saucer and the relationship between the two forms.

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• exploring handle forms through making and observation

• measuring and testing fit

• throwing cups and saucers as a matched pair

• trimming cups and saucers at leather-hard stage

• attaching and refining handles

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Emphasis is placed on accuracy and how subtle changes affect the overall relationship.

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Day 3 – Refinement and Finishing

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The final day brings together the cup and saucer as a complete set.

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• reviewing fit and balance of cup and saucer

• refining handles, rims, and feet

• discussion: glaze thickness, lip feel, and functional considerations

• preparing work for firing and simple slip decoration

• group reflection and discussion

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The course covers:
- overview of clay preparation and proficient centring

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- throwing basic cylinders

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- throwing fitting forms

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- throwing to specific measurements

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- throwing with consistency across differing weights of clay

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- throwing with up to 2kg of clay

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- considering forms with a critical eye

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- designing forms

‍ Firing

‍ These throwing courses are written to help participants build strong, repeatable skills through hands-on practice and expert guidance from the tutor. We don’t take a firing-focused approach. Instead, a pair of 2 cups and 2 saucers will be selected for firing, and participants may take home up to 4 additional unfired pieces (a pair of cups and saucers). This emphasis on making—without the pressure or attachment that often comes with firing—encourages a more focused, process-led experience.

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Ability & Skill Level

‍These throwing courses are suitable for both improvers and advanced participants. As sessions are taught in small groups, the tutor is able to provide tailored support to each participant, regardless of their skill level. Abilities are self-identified, so there may be a range of experience within the group—but everyone is supported at their own pace. ‍

When: Monday 16 November – Wednesday 18 November
Where: The Leach Pottery Learning & Production Studios
Places: 5 
Price: £480
Duration: 3 days. Core teaching hours: 10am – 4pm and 10am – 3.30pm on the last day.
Please arrive at 9.30am on the first day of your course for the welcome session.

‍Equipment & materials: clay and a basic tool kit is provided. We focus on building core skills and working directly with the clay to get the most from a core selection of tools. Please bring additional tools if you wish to use them along with an apron and hand towel.  
You will leave with: Two pieces that will be fired & posted to you* up to 12 weeks after the course has finished. This piece needs to be within the footprint of 20 x 20 x 20cm. Please bring a box and packing material to take a maximum of two unfired pieces away with you if you wish. 
Level: Improver & Intermediate  (See here for explanation of skill level criteria)

*if the address that you would like your work posting to is non-UK, extra postage will apply. 

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We are delighted to offer one 10% discount in our Shop during your course.

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Any questions? Please visit out FAQ — The Leach Pottery

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Please be aware, only assistance dogs are allowed in the Learning spaces.  

‍ ‍Terms and conditions

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