Throwing Beyond: Large Vessels, 5 Days

'“By Tuesday evening the pots were nearly all dry, but to make doubly sure we put the larger pieces, and those which had been made last, into the drying cupboard where an oil lamp could give them a gentle heat all night. The pots may be piled upon one another almost indiscriminately. In this case the shelves presented no difficulties. In front of them the saggars and larger pots were placed at the bottom and the smaller and thinner pots.”

A Potter’s Book, 1940. Bernard recounting a kiln firing and the treatment of larger pots.

This course helps participants address and develop skills to throw larger vessels up to a 40x40x40cm footprint. From studying throwing skills from the very beginnings to ensure correct technique, to attaching separate thrown sections, throwing with coils and simply pulling larger forms, this course will help potters gain confidence working at a larger scale. 

When: Monday 21 – 25 Friday September 2026
Where: The Leach Pottery Learning & Production Studios
Places: 5 per course 

Cost: £750
Duration: 5 days, 10:00am - 4pm daily. Please arrive for 9:30am on the first day 
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 central selection of tools. Please bring additional tools if you wish to use them along with an apron and hand towel. 

This course will: teach you specific skills in throwing and methods used to increase the size of forms

The Course Covers:

  • clay preparation: wedging techniques and centering clay on the wheel

£750.00
Only 4 available

  • throwing basic forms and moving on to different forms – jugs, plates, bowls, and lidded forms, focusing on galleries and various designs of lids with self-led exploration

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

  • coiling, throwing in sections

  • turning and finishing, pulling and attaching handles

You will leave with: one piece that is within the footprint of 40 x 40 x 40cm that will be glazed and fired at the Leach Pottery and sent to you* up to 16 weeks after the course has finished 

Ability & Skill Level: Improver, Intermediate & Advanced

These throwing courses are suitable for both Improver and Intermediate throwers. As sessions are taught in small groups, the tutor is able to provide tailored support to each participant, regardless of their skill level within the Improver, Intermediate and Advanced criteria. Abilities are self-identified, so there may be a range of experience within the group—but everyone is supported at their own pace. (See here for explanation of skill level criteria)

*if the address that you would like your work posting to is non-UK, extra postage may apply. 

We are delighted to offer a 10% discount in our Shop for the duration of your course. 

Facilities notes for 2026 course participants.

Any questions? Please visit our FAQs page. 

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

Terms and conditions 
Please sign-up to our mailing list to receive news about courses and the Leach Pottery.