Introduction to Pottery 3D Campus

About this course

The course introduces core clay processes including throwing on the pottery wheel, pinching, coiling, slab building and using slump moulds. Participants work with stoneware clays, underglazes and coloured slips, with oxides and glazing introduced later. Teaching combines demonstrations, handouts and examples of artists’ work for each project. Across the terms, the balance between throwing and hand building changes, with different decorating techniques explored. The course can be taken one term at a time or continued across three terms.

What you'll learn

• Use basic throwing, pinching, coiling, slab-building and slump-mould techniques.
• Recognise how clay consistency and strength affect different stages of making and decorating.
• Work with stoneware, earthenware and porcelain clays.
• Apply slips, underglazes, oxides and glazes to ceramic work.
• Explain the basic technical processes involved in working with clay.

Is this course right for you?

The course is designed for complete beginners as well as learners returning to clay after a break or wanting to revisit fundamental techniques. Participants work through a series of projects, with the balance of wheel throwing, hand building and decorating varying across the terms.

Before you go

• For the first lesson, bring a notebook or sketchbook and something to write with.
• Bring a waterproof, wipeable apron. Communal aprons and tools are available to help participants get started.
• Existing pottery tools may be brought, and a camera or camera phone can be used to record work if possible.
• Clay, slips, glazes and colouring materials are provided. Available clays include stoneware, earthenware and porcelain.
• Work is weighed before firing and undergoes two firings.
• The 3D Studio 1 and 3D Sculpture Studio spaces are not currently wheelchair accessible because they are reached by a staircase. The provider advises contacting its admin team about accessible alternatives.