Introduction to Kick Wheel: 6 Mornings

Overview:

This course introduces the traditional ways of throwing a pot on a Leach Kick Wheel. The Leach Kick, or Treadle Wheel, was developed at the Leach Pottery through the 1920s and 30s. Based on traditional designs, it was eventually reproduced commercially and adopted by potters around the world. The design, and our historic wheels, are still very much used to this day.

Potters of all abilities can gain much from throwing on a Leach Kick wheel: the slower foot-powered pace gives the potter a more intimate understanding of the energy and focus that goes into making pots.

There are four participants on the course with the Tutor using participants’ wheels for demonstrations. This course requires the ability to hop on and off of a kick wheel and to kick with your left leg.

The course covers: 

·       clay preparation: wedging techniques, centering clay on the wheel, throwing basic cylinders then moving on to different forms
·       turning and finishing, pulling and attaching handles and decorating techniques

When: 6 weeks, Monday mornings 10am – 12.30pm 
2 June
9 June
16 June
Break 
30 June
7 July
14 July
  
Where: Leach Pottery Museum
Places: 4  
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: Up to 3 * of your pots on the 6-week course which will be glazed and fired by us, your work will be ready to be collected from the pottery 12 weeks after your final session.   
You are welcome to take a maximum of two additional unfired pots home with you. Please bring a box with you to transport unfired work.  
*each pot needs to be within the footprint of 20 x 20 x 20cm  
Level: Beginner to intermediate  
Price: £210