Adult Courses & Classes

In the words of Bernard Leach, a programme intended for “students and teachers, for lovers of pots and sound craftsmanship”.

The Leach Pottery creative and engaging workshops for adults take inspiration from the ideas and techniques showcased throughout the history of Leach Pottery. Throwing Courses and workshops take place across the year in addition to seasonal opportunities with makers and insights into the exhibitions at the Leach Pottery.

Across 2025 the Leach Pottery is undertaking capital building works to improve the site for future potters. Find out more here

During the building project, 2025 courses will take place in Bernard’s Studio at the Leach Pottery. While the building project focuses on making all our futures Learning spaces accessible, we regret that Bernard’s Studio is only accessible via a flight of steps. In Spring 2026 workshops will commence in our newly built Learning Studios. While changes to the location of the courses is not foreseen, in the case of changes to the building programme, an alternative course location would be arranged. In such an event, participants will be informed promptly of any change.

Once the move to the new studios has been made, restoration works will render the Leach Pottery museum closed. During this period courses will be begin with a 30 min introductory talk about the story of the Leach Pottery.

Please sign-up to our mailing list to receive news about courses and the Leach Pottery and keep an eye on our social media to hear about when new workshops are released for booking. We plan to release additional 2026 course dates in Summer 2025. Our course Terms & Conditions can be viewed here.

 
Potter pulling clay walls on a bowl using a Potter's wheel as part of the five day course

SOLD OUT 5 Day Throwing Course Learn essential techniques & develop skills

Clay ball thrown on to the Potter's wheel ready for centreing in one of three half day throwing sessions

Centering to Turning: 3 Half Days Grow in confidence at the wheel

Cylinder pot removed from the Potter's Wheel

SOLD OUT 3 Day Throwing Course Learn essential techniques & develop skills

Potter working throwing on a Leach Kick wheel creating the hole for the clay form

SOLD OUT Leach Kick Wheel Learn to throw over 3 Days on a Leach Kick Wheel

Heritage Week Join us for creative workshops and tours.

Adult Group Visits Guided Tours and Creative workshops for organised groups

Potter pulling clay walls on a bowl as part of the Throwing Taster Workshop

Throwing Taster Workshops Have-a-go on a potter’s wheel over 2.5 hours. Availability across August

Leach² A tile decoration project to make thousands of tiles to adorn the new Production & Learning Studios

Potter beginning to trim form on a Potter's wheel

SOLD OUT The Leach Year Monthly workshops across 2025 for 4 intermediate potters

Glazed test tiles

2 Day Glaze Theory New course dates coming soon

Potter centreing clay on an electric wheel on an introductory to the Potter's wheel

SOLD OUT An Introduction to the Wheel 1 Day From centering onwards become familiar with the basics

Bottle forms drying on wareboards in the old Leach Pottery workshop

SOLD OUT 5 Day In Focus Plates and Bottles Methods of throwing flat and cylindrical forms

Potter creating a hole in the clay form on the Potter's Wheel

SOLD OUT The Potter’s Beginnings Twice monthly workshops across 2025 for 5 beginner potters

Teapots with different lids, spouts and handles

SOLD OUT Lidded Vessels and Teapots Explore methods of making lidded vessels and teapots

St Ives September Festival Join us for a collection of special creative workshops and tours to celebrate this year’s festival.