Classes

Would you like to try throwing on the wheel? I offer one-to-one or one-to-two sessions in my garden shed studio in Wood Green. See details below.

What will you get to do?
In this fun and relaxed session I will help you to throw a simple form on the wheel using porcelain clay. You don’t need to have any experience, I will show you what to do and get you started. I will demonstrate the throwing of a simple shape before you have a go, and I will be on hand at all times for instruction and to help with some of the trickier aspects.

I can then later finish whatever you manage to throw when it has dried out a bit (give it a foot ring, put a handle on it etc), and then fire and glaze it for you for collection or postage (I charge £5 to post it to you).

In all likelihood you will end up with a simple cup or bowl, but be aware that occasionally the clay gods are cruel! No matter happens you will get to mess around with clay and get a taste of a potter’s life.

Duration
Sessions are held for a minimum of 1 hr per person, with a maximum of 3 hours per session - it can be quite tiring!

Materials
All lessons will be conducted using the same porcelain that I use for my work. Most beginners start learning using a stoneware or earthenware clay, which have more stability and so are easier to work with, however my compact studio doesn’t allow room for me to use a different clay because of the risk of contamination.

This means that you will be throwing with this, silky smooth and beautiful medium. However, be reassured that while porcelain is the hardest clay to control on the wheel, it is absolutely possible to get a useable pot on your first go, especially with a little help from me! And once you learn to throw with porcelain, other clays will be a breeze! 

Location
My studio is located at the bottom of my garden in Wood Green in London, near the Wolves Lane Centre. It is easily accessible by bus (the 141, 121 and W4 all drop off at either end of our road) or it is a 10 minute walk from either Wood Green tube station or Bowes Park overground station.

Timing
Because my studio is an actual garden shed it can be very cold! I have heaters, but the water and clay itself gets very cold. So I hold lessons only during the slightly warmer months, from April-October. However, if you are very keen and don’t mind the idea of handling cold clay during the winter, I am very happy to pop the heaters on!

Lessons can be held on weekdays from Monday – Thursday or at the weekend, just let me know when you would like to come and we will find a date that works for us both, but it is best to plan ahead as far as possible.

Cost and how to book
£50 per hour
For two people sharing, there is a two hour minimum and you will take turns on the wheel - the hourly rate remains the same i.e. a 2hr session costs £100 regardless of whether there is one or two people.

Buy vouchers here and contact me to arrange a lesson.