Handles in focus, 3 Days
All aspects of a vessel should be treated with care, elements such as handles are key pieces of a form which can heighten the utility and beauty of pottery. This course is for potters who already have command of the principles of throwing but wish to master the three different types of handles: loop, lug and knob and how to make and apply them.
A Potter’s Book, Bernard Leach, 1940
Participants will create forms first, which then a handle can be added to by the end of the weekend course. You will be taught how to pull handles and practice applying different handles to a variety of different forms.
When: Wednesday 3 – Friday 5 June 2026
Where: The Leach Pottery Learning & Production Studios
Places: 6
Cost: £480
Duration: 3 days. Core teaching hours: 10am - 4pm and 10am – 3.30pm on the last day. Please arrive at 10.00am on the first day of your course.
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.
Handles set potters apart. They are deceptively challenging to make well. At the Leach Pottery we make handles that look right and feel ergonomic in the hand. During this course you will start by throwing forms on the wheel that need handles such as mugs and jugs. The tutor will teach different handle methods, such as pulling them off the pot, and encourage students to become confident through repetition and practice. By the end students should feel more comfortable applying handles and will have levelled up their skills.
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 for any additional items you may wish to take with you.
Level: intermediate
Any questions? Please visit out FAQ — The Leach Pottery
Facilities Notes for 2026 course participants
Please be aware, only assistance dogs are allowed in the Learning spaces.