Form & Function, Throwing Course: 3 Days 2026

Beginners & Improvers

Establishing Technique

“Cylinder throwing is frankly an exercise, and a very essential one, but it will soon develop into a progressive exploration of form as soon as the student is able without difficulty to make small cylinders, truly centered, and with walls of equal thickness”

A Potter’s Book. Bernard Leach. 1940 

Whether you are a student potter, keen amateur, improver or a complete beginner, a throwing course with the Leach Pottery ensures you consolidate essential techniques and explore new approaches. Enjoy dedicated time and space to develop your practice. This course is taught to a small group of 5 participants.

Overview 
This is a 3 Day practice-based throwing course aimed at beginners who would like to learn basic throwing skills, and for those who have some experience of throwing and improvers who would like to further develop their skills. This is an opportunity to learn new skills and brush up on essential techniques. This course is taught to small groups of 5 in one of the new purpose-built Learning & Production Studios at the Leach Pottery.

The course covers:
- clay preparation: wedging techniques, centering clay on the wheel, throwing basic cylinders then moving on to different forms – bowls, mugs and jugs etc. 

- practicing your preferred form, throwing to specific measurements, and repeat throwing 

- turning and finishing, pulling and attaching handles and basic decorating techniques

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, one piece will be selected for firing, and participants may take home up to two additional unfired pieces. This emphasis on making—without the pressure or attachment that often comes with firing—encourages a more focused, process-led experience.

Ability & Skill Level

These throwing courses are suitable for both beginners and improvers. 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.

Should learning in a mixed ability environment not suit you, this year we are piloting some skill specific courses. The course has the same content but is only for participants of a particular experience level.

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: one piece 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: Beginner & Improver  (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. 

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

Any questions? Please visit out FAQ — The Leach Pottery 

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

Terms and conditions 

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