Ceramic Handbuilding & Throwing – Intermediate – Summer School

About this course

The course examines historical and contemporary approaches to ceramic decoration before applying techniques to clay at different stages. Participants practise sgraffito, mono-printing with cobalt oxide, underglaze and slip painting, printing, resist methods, glazing, metallic lustres and ceramic decals. Teaching combines demonstrations, practical work, tutor guidance and personalised feedback. Learners also develop a Personal Learning Plan and are encouraged to document materials, techniques, glazes, firing temperatures and dimensions in a sketchbook or digital record.

What you'll learn

• Apply sgraffito decoration to leather-hard clay
• Use cobalt oxide for mono-printed marks and tonal drawings on soft clay
• Combine underglazes, slips and resist methods in printed and painted decoration
• Apply glazes using pouring, dipping, painting and glaze-on-glaze techniques
• Use metallic lustres and ceramic decals on fired clay

Is this course right for you?

The course is labelled Intermediate and is described as suitable for beginners and experienced artists, with particular relevance to learners who already have some ceramic experience and want to extend their decorative techniques. Participation involves practical studio work, tutor feedback and keeping a record of processes and results.

• Suitable for learners developing beyond fundamental ceramic techniques
• Includes individual feedback and a Personal Learning Plan
• Requires learners to record materials, processes and firing details

Before you go

• Clay must be purchased from the college shop. Slip, glazes and kiln firings are included in the clay purchase.
• Ceramic tools are provided.
• Learners taking part in glazing activities require an FFP3 mask, available from the technicians' office.
• Finished work typically requires around two weeks for drying and bisque firing, followed by a further one to two weeks after glaze firing before collection.