Form & Function, Throwing Course: 5 Days 2026

Beginners & Improvers

Establishing Technique

“The wheel upon which a potter moulds their hollow forms is one of the most peculiar and intimate devices which human beings invented. There is nothing quite like throwing in any other craft. Wood, metal, fibre and glass, none of them are so responsive to the touch as clay.”

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 5 Day Course covers skills you learn on the Form & Function, Throwing Course: 3 Days but allows more time to strengthen these techniques and encounter additional forms. There is more time to focus on handle pulling, turning, surface decoration and any other particular aspect you would like to improve. This course is taught to small groups of 5 in one of the new purpose-built Learning & Production Studios at the Leach Pottery.

Overview 

This is a 5 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 improver students who would like to further develop their skills. This is an opportunity to learn new skills and brush up on essential techniques.

The course covers: 

- clay preparation: wedging techniques, centering clay on the wheel, throwing basic cylinders then moving on to different forms – jugs, vases, plates, bowls etc. 

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

- turning and finishing, pulling and attaching handles and 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 our FAQ — The Leach Pottery.

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

Terms & Conditions — The Leach Pottery
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