Pottery throwing courses
We run throwing courses for all abilities at our studio in Fishponds, east Bristol, from complete beginners to more experienced throwers tackling trickier forms. Small groups, the same tutor each week and everything provided.
Throwing takes practice, patience and persistence, and that's exactly what these courses give you space for.
Beginners — start from scratch
Our five-week course is designed for complete beginners and covers all the wheel throwing basics: wedging, centring, throwing simple shapes and trimming.
Sessions run for 3 hours, with 15 minutes at the end for clean up. Groups are a maximum of 6 people, so you'll get plenty of support and guidance along the way.
All materials and firing costs are included in the price.
Runs daytime and evening, so there should be something that fits around your week.
Level 2
What you'll cover, week by week
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A gentle introduction to throwing on the pottery wheel — preparing your clay, centring, and throwing your first basic shapes.
Introduction to Fishponds Pottery and the course
Introduction to tools and machinery
Learning about clay
Wedging and preparation
Centring
Studio cleanliness induction
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The best way to improve is through practice and persistence — everyone learns at their own pace, and this session gives you room to do exactly that.
Centring
Basic throwing techniques
One-to-one tuition
Exploration and self-directed throwing
Group discussion
Tidy space
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Consistent throwing takes time and patience. This session pushes your ability a little further, with focus on finesse and getting the most from your clay. If your pots are ready, we'll start on trimming and turning too.
Throwing warm up
Refining form
Turning and finishing your pots
Group discussion
Tidy up
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The final studio session — finishing your work and reflecting on your progress.
Turning and finishing your pots
Making and adding handles
Choosing items for firing
Advice for your pottery future
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About a month after your fourth session, once your pots have been bisque fired, you'll come back to glaze them. We'll send you the booking link during the course so you can pick a date that suits — and we'll let you know when your pieces are ready to collect after their final firing.
Beginners Plus — build on it
Build on the foundations from your beginners course. This five-week course makes your throwing more efficient and builds up to working with larger amounts of clay.
We'll cover throwing wider forms on batts, pulling handles and manipulating cylinders into more complex shapes.
Your input is always welcome. If there's something specific you'd like to throw, we'll show you how.
Taught by Lucy Turner, our head technician, who brings a structured and supportive approach aimed at building your confidence at the wheel.
Level 3
Intermediate — go further
coming soon
Level 4
Practice slots
Practice slots are back. If you're on a course, you can book up to two extra sessions to come in and practise what you've learned, on a Monday afternoon, Tuesday morning or Tuesday afternoon.
There's no charge, just more time at the wheel, which is the thing that makes it click.
What's included
Your own wheel for the whole session, every session.
Real live tuition throughout – hands-on, in the room, from working ceramicists.
All materials. Clay, tools and glazes.
Firing for the work you make on the course.
A glazing session at the end, booked separately once your pots have been bisque fired.
Coming up
Beginners courses are for anyone starting from scratch. Beginners Plus is for people who've already done a beginners course, here or elsewhere. Dates, times and prices for upcoming courses are in the booking calendar below.
Not sure?
Not ready to commit to a full course? Try a taster session first →
Not sure which level is right for you? Help me choose →