In Focus: Lidded Jars

Utility is not a limitation but a rich source of form. Bernard Leach, A Potter’s Book. 1940

Improvers & Intermediate
Progressing Skills

Date and Time: Monday 14 September – Wednesday 16 September, 10am – 4pm

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.

Overview 

This is a 3 Day practice-based throwing course aimed at improvers and intermediate throwers who would like to further develop their skills. Through a series of cylinder focused exercises, participants will progress onto different forms of jars, from the Leach Pottery Standard ware collection, ginger jars and generously bellied jars inspired by those made in Sawankahlok, Thailand.

Participants will be encouraged to explore forms and design their own jars. The workshop will include time for examining old forms from the Leach collection as well as photographs from books and other museum collections.

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

Structure

Day 1: Participants will practice throwing forms on the wheel. Starting with cylinders on the first morning and then working towards Leach standard ware jar forms. Participants will work up in terms of weight, refining the form and make increasingly large versions. Jar openings will be measured with callipers and lids made to fit.

Day 2: Participants will throw some wider bellied jars with the weight of clay they feel comfortable with. Later they will design and execute a jar form of their own design. Lids will be made to measure and different lid styles explored.

Day 3: Completing forms. In the morning participants will trim their jars and make sure the lids fit well. Refine forms and add knobs to jars. Handles may be added to jars if participants wish. Decorative techniques will be explored if time permits.

The course covers:

- Overview of clay preparation and proficient centering

- throwing basic cylinders

- a collection of jar forms

- throwing to specific measurements

- galleries and different lid solutions

- lug handles and knobs

- throwing with up to 3 Kg of clay

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 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.

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: 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. 

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

Facilities notes for 2026 course participants

Any questions? Please visit out FAQ — The Leach Pottery 

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

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