Full Time Diploma Try-out- Saturday 23rd April
Clay College Stoke Clay College, Middleport Pottery, STOKE-ON-TRENT, CountyClay College Diploma Try-Out- Invitation Only Saturday 23rd April, 9:30 am-6:30 pm. During the day, you will be asked to complete two practical tasks that will be set and demonstrated by Ben Brierley, the Principal and Kevin Millward, Course Director. During the course of the day, you will also have an interview with two of [...]
Full Time Diploma Try-out- Sunday 24th April
Clay College Stoke Clay College, Middleport Pottery, STOKE-ON-TRENT, CountyClay College Diploma Try-Out- Invitation Only Sunday 24th April, 9:30 am-6:30 pm. During the day, you will be asked to complete two practical tasks that will be set and demonstrated by Ben Brierley, the Principal and Kevin Millward, Course Director. During the course of the day, you will also have an interview with [...]
Glaze Formulation for Stoneware- SOLD OUT
Clay College Stoke Clay College, Middleport Pottery, STOKE-ON-TRENT, CountyExplanations, demonstration of, and formulations of stoneware glazes. During this 2 day course, we will cover: - How raw materials can be blended to form a range of glazes with varying surface qualities. Identifying materials and their contribution to glaze melt. The glaze properties of other raw materials. -oxidised and reduction glazes. -General formulation of [...]
Kiln Building- FULL
During this course, with the guidance of Kevin Millward and Ben Brierley, you will learn to build, pack and fire a dry-laid, self-supporting kiln. This course will cover: Information on different types and grades of brick- advantages, and disadvantages. Fuel and kiln design options. Methods of construction. Calculating, Cutting, and constructing arches. Building a dry-laid [...]
Kiln Building- FULL
Clay College Stoke Clay College, Middleport Pottery, STOKE-ON-TRENT, CountyDuring this course, with the guidance of Kevin Millward and Ben Brierley, you will learn to build, pack and fire a dry-laid, self-supporting kiln. This course will cover: Information on different types and grades of brick- advantages, and disadvantages. Fuel and kiln design options. Methods of construction. Calculating, Cutting, and constructing arches. Building a dry-laid [...]
Taster Session- Morning
Clay College Stoke Clay College, Middleport Pottery, STOKE-ON-TRENT, CountyGive throwing a go! This taster session is aimed at people with very limited or no experience of throwing who wish to have a go. During the taster session, you will try out the basic skills and techniques needed to centre and throw basic forms. There will be a range of demonstrations followed by sessions [...]
Taster Throwing Session- Afternoon
Clay College Stoke Clay College, Middleport Pottery, STOKE-ON-TRENT, CountyGive throwing a go! This taster session is aimed at people with very limited or no experience of throwing who wish to have a go. During the taster session, you will try out the basic skills and techniques needed to centre and throw basic forms. There will be a range of demonstrations followed by sessions [...]
Kiln Building- June FULL
During this course, with the guidance of Kevin Millward and Ben Brierley, you will learn to build, pack and fire a dry-laid, self-supporting kiln. This course will cover: Information on different types and grades of brick- advantages, and disadvantages. Fuel and kiln design options. Methods of construction. Calculating, Cutting, and constructing arches. Building a dry-laid [...]
Glaze Formulation for Stoneware- FULL
Explanations, demonstration of, and formulations of stoneware glazes. During this 2 day course, we will cover: – How raw materials can be blended to form a range of glazes with varying surface qualities. Identifying materials and their contribution to glaze melt. The glaze properties of other raw materials. -oxidised and reduction glazes. -General formulation of transparent [...]
Throwing Taster Session- Morning- FULL
Clay College Stoke Clay College, Middleport Pottery, STOKE-ON-TRENT, CountyGive throwing a go! This taster session is aimed at people with very limited or no experience of throwing who wish to have a go. During the taster session, you will try out the basic skills and techniques needed to centre and throw basic forms. There will be a range of demonstrations followed by sessions [...]
5 Day Advanced and Creative Throwing
Clay College Stoke Clay College, Middleport Pottery, STOKE-ON-TRENT, CountyExperience level intermediate. Must be able to centre and competently throw cylinders and bowls. This course will cover: Designing and planning forms Weighing out clay Measuring Preparing clay Throwing component parts Altering and marking thrown parts How to join effectively Avoiding joining cracks Assembling large pots Throwing and assembling thrown sculptural pieces. slips Finishing joins [...]
Teapot Masterclass with Kevin Millward
Clay College Stoke Clay College, Middleport Pottery, STOKE-ON-TRENT, CountyThis is a three day Masterclass aimed at people who already have intermediate throwing skills and who wish to learn to produce tea or coffee pots, using more advanced techniques of studio pottery in a professional working studio environment. The course is suitable for those who have experience of throwing, and are able to centre [...]
Introduction to Raku with Andy Mason- Saturday
Clay College Stoke Clay College, Middleport Pottery, STOKE-ON-TRENT, CountyThis workshop will be run by Andy Mason, a potter with over 30 years of ceramics experience. In this workshop he combines his individual techniques with the great tradition of Raku, sharing his enthusiasm for this fascinating activity ~ a blend of art, alchemy, and surprise You will be guided and encouraged through creative glazing [...]
Glaze Formulation for Stoneware- July
Clay College Stoke Clay College, Middleport Pottery, STOKE-ON-TRENT, CountyExplanations, demonstration of, and formulations of stoneware glazes. During this 2 day course, we will cover: How raw materials can be blended to form a range of glazes with varying surface qualities. Identifying materials and their contribution to glaze melt. The glaze properties of other raw materials. Oxidised and reduction glazes. General formulation of transparent [...]
Improvers Throwing Weekend
Clay College Stoke Clay College, Middleport Pottery, STOKE-ON-TRENT, CountyOver the weekend, there will be a range of demonstrations as well as plenty of opportunities to practice throwing and to develop your technique. This weekend course is taught by our fantastic Clay College Graduates and is suitable for those who have experience of throwing, are able to centre clay, and are confident in throwing [...]
2 Week Intensive Throwing- FULL
Clay College Stoke Clay College, Middleport Pottery, STOKE-ON-TRENT, CountyThis intensive throwing course is suitable for a range of learners; including improvers to those that are proficient in throwing. This course will enable you to develop greater consistency or to work towards throwing bigger and taller pots. There will be a range of demonstrations as well as plenty of opportunities to practice throwing and [...]
1 Day Masterclass with Dylan Bowen
Clay College Stoke Clay College, Middleport Pottery, STOKE-ON-TRENT, CountyDylan Bowen is a renowned slipware potter who makes slip decorated earthenware using traditional and contemporary techniques and materials. The day will start with a range demonstrations by Dylan Bowen, showing the different ways he uses clay and slip. In the afternoon there will be a practical, hands-on making session where you will be [...]
Introduction to Raku with Andy Mason
Clay College Stoke Clay College, Middleport Pottery, STOKE-ON-TRENT, CountyThis workshop will be run by Andy Mason, a potter with over 30 years of ceramics experience. In this workshop he combines his individual techniques with the great tradition of Raku, sharing his enthusiasm for this fascinating activity ~ a blend of art, alchemy, and surprise You will be guided and encouraged through creative glazing [...]
1 Day Improvers Throwing Masterclass with Brian Dickenson
Clay College Stoke Clay College, Middleport Pottery, STOKE-ON-TRENT, CountyClay College Stoke is very pleased to be able to offer a 1 Day Improvers Throwing Masterclass with Brian Dickenson, Saturday 10th December. There will be a range of demonstrations as well as plenty of opportunities to practice throwing and develop your technique. The day is suitable for those who have experience in throwing, are [...]
1 Day Masterclass Talk & Demonstrations by Mike Dodd
Clay College Stoke Clay College, Middleport Pottery, STOKE-ON-TRENT, CountyClay College Stoke is very pleased to be able to offer a 1 Day Masterclass Talk & Demonstrations led by Mike Dodd, 10 am - 4 pm, Saturday 11th February. This would be a rare opportunity to learn from Master potter Mike Dodd. In this class, Mike will demonstrate his unique techniques in working [...]
Throwing Taster Session- Afternoon
Clay College Stoke Clay College, Middleport Pottery, STOKE-ON-TRENT, CountyGive throwing a go! This taster session is aimed at people with very limited or no experience of throwing who wish to have a go. During the taster session, you will try out the basic skills and techniques needed to centre and throw basic forms. There will be a range of demonstrations followed by sessions [...]
Introduction to Raku
Clay College Stoke Clay College, Middleport Pottery, STOKE-ON-TRENT, CountyThis workshop will be run by Andy Mason, a potter with over 30 years of ceramics experience. In this workshop, he combines his individual techniques with the great tradition of Raku, sharing his enthusiasm for this fascinating activity ~ a blend of art, alchemy, and surprise You will be guided and encouraged through creative glazing [...]
Introduction to Raku
Clay College Stoke Clay College, Middleport Pottery, STOKE-ON-TRENT, CountyThis workshop will be run by Andy Mason, a potter with over 30 years of ceramics experience. In this workshop, he combines his individual techniques with the great tradition of Raku, sharing his enthusiasm for this fascinating activity ~ a blend of art, alchemy, and surprise You will be guided and encouraged through creative glazing [...]
4 Day Hands on Masterclass with Brian Dickenson
Clay College Stoke Clay College, Middleport Pottery, STOKE-ON-TRENT, CountyClay College Stoke is so pleased to be able to offer a 4-Day Hands-on Easter Masterclass from the 13th to the 16th of April. The masterclass focuses on Jug forms including forming lips and handles and the use of slips for decoration. This course is suitable for those who wish to improve their throwing and [...]
Throwing on the Wheel: Pottery Taster Session – May 13, 10am – 1 pm
Clay College Stoke Clay College, Middleport Pottery, STOKE-ON-TRENT, CountyHave you ever wanted to try your hand at making a pot on the wheel? Now is your chance! This taster session is aimed at people with very limited or no experience of throwing who wish to have a go. During the taster session, you will try out the basic skills and techniques needed to [...]
Throwing on the Wheel: Pottery Taster Session – May 13, 1:45pm – 4:45pm
Have you ever wanted to try your hand at making a pot on the wheel? Now is your chance! This taster session is aimed at people with very limited or no experience of throwing who wish to have a go. During the taster session, you will try out the basic skills and techniques needed to [...]
2 Day Hands on Masterclass with Brian Dickenson
Clay College Stoke Clay College, Middleport Pottery, STOKE-ON-TRENT, CountyClay College Stoke is so pleased to be able to offer a 2-Day Hands-on masterclass from the 27th to the 28th of May. All comers welcome, this is the perfect opportunity to build your core skills, including wedging, kneading, trimming, reclaiming, repeat throwing, as well as throwing cylinders, bowls and flatware. The class will be [...]
Throwing on the Wheel: Pottery Taster Session – June 3, 10am – 1pm
Have you ever wanted to try your hand at making a pot on the wheel? Now is your chance! This taster session is aimed at people with very limited or no experience of throwing who wish to have a go. During the taster session, you will try out the basic skills and techniques needed to [...]
Monday Evening Class – 5th June-10th July then 24th July – 31st July
Clay College Stoke Clay College, Middleport Pottery, STOKE-ON-TRENT, CountyClay College Stoke, located in the historic setting of Middleport Pottery, offers mixed-ability evening classes to learn the technical skills of throwing pots, within a professional studio environment. All are welcome, from beginners to those with some pottery experience, The classes run during college term time in 8-week blocks. Each class will feature technical [...]
Tuesday Evening Class – Tuesday 6th June-11th July then 25th July – 1st August
Clay College Stoke Clay College, Middleport Pottery, STOKE-ON-TRENT, CountyClay College Stoke, located in the historic setting of Middleport Pottery, offers mixed-ability evening classes to learn the technical skills of throwing pots, within a professional studio environment. All are welcome, from beginners to those with some pottery experience, The classes run during college term time in 8-week blocks. Each class will feature technical [...]
4-Day Kiln Building Masterclass with Kevin Millward and Brian Dickenson
During this course, with the guidance of Kevin Millward and Brian Dickenson, you will learn to build, pack and fire a dry-laid, self-supporting kiln. Unlike previous kiln-building masterclasses, this course will feature two firings with two different kilns. This course will cover: Information on different types and grades of brick- advantages, and disadvantages. Fuel and [...]
2-Day Masterclass with John Mackenzie
Clay College are delighted to welcome John Mackenzie for a 2-day masterclass on Saturday 8th July and Sunday 9th July. With a focus on wood firing, this masterclass will include lectures on wood firing techniques, kilns, slips, forms and glazes, as well as centring and throwing large amounts of clay, exploring mark making on smaller vessels [...]
Home Technician Course – Darren Ellis.
Clay College Stoke Clay College, Middleport Pottery, STOKE-ON-TRENT, CountyThis intensive 2 day course will cover: Workshop Health & Safety. Clay handling - reclaiming, wedging, blending. Glaze technology – mixing, application, storing. Kiln packing. Gas and electric firing. Clay College is a not-for-profit organisation so all the proceeds from our masterclasses support the work we do. Please note: There will be plenty of tea, [...]
Ruth King – Handbuilding Masterclass
We're delighted to be welcoming Ruth King back to Clay College for a two-day Handbuilding Masterclass on 7th & 8th October. This short course will feature demonstrations from the esteemed potter, followed by a guided two-day making workshop. All abilities are welcome, from absolute beginners to experienced makers and everything in between. Whether you want [...]
Introduction to Raku
Clay College Stoke Clay College, Middleport Pottery, STOKE-ON-TRENT, CountyThis workshop will be run by Andy Mason, a potter with over 30 years of ceramics experience. In this workshop, he combines his individual techniques with the great tradition of Raku, sharing his enthusiasm for this fascinating activity ~ a blend of art, alchemy, and surprise! You will be guided and encouraged through creative glazing [...]
Shozo Michikawa – A Day of Demonstrations & Conversation
Clay College are delighted to be welcoming leading Japanese potter Shozo Michikawa for 'A Day of Demonstrations & Conversation' on Sunday 5th November. With over forty years of experience in making and exhibiting all over the world, this is an incredibly special, intimate and rare opportunity. Gain an introduction to his work and learn about [...]
Monday Evening Classes – 13th November to 18th December
Clay College Stoke, located in the historic setting of Middleport Pottery, offers mixed-ability evening classes to learn the technical skills of throwing pots, within a professional studio environment. All are welcome, from beginners to those with some pottery experience, The classes run during college term time in 6-week blocks. Each class will feature technical [...]
Tuesday Evening Classes – November 14th to December 19th
Clay College Stoke, located in the historic setting of Middleport Pottery, offers mixed-ability evening classes to learn the technical skills of throwing pots, within a professional studio environment. All are welcome, from beginners to those with some pottery experience, The classes run during college term time in 6-week blocks. Each class will feature technical [...]
Adam Frew – Porcelain Masterclass
Clay College Stoke Clay College, Middleport Pottery, STOKE-ON-TRENT, CountyWe're delighted to be welcoming Adam Frew back to Clay College for a two-day Porcelain Masterclass on the 18th and 19th of November. This short course will feature demonstrations from the esteemed potter, followed by a guided two-day throwing workshop. Suitable for any level from beginners to improvers, you will be using the potter’s wheel [...]
Monday Evening Classes – 8th January to 12th February
Clay College Stoke, located in the historic setting of Middleport Pottery, offers mixed-ability evening classes to learn the technical skills of throwing pots, within a professional studio environment. All are welcome, from beginners to those with some pottery experience, The classes run during college term time in 6-week blocks. Each class will feature technical [...]
Tuesday Evening Classes – January 9th to 13th February
Clay College Stoke, located in the historic setting of Middleport Pottery, offers mixed-ability evening classes to learn the technical skills of throwing pots, within a professional studio environment. All are welcome, from beginners to those with some pottery experience, The classes run during college term time in 6-week blocks. Each class will feature technical [...]
Thursday Beginners Evening Class – Jan-Feb 2024
Clay College Stoke, located in the historic setting of Middleport Pottery, offers evening classes to learn the technical skills of throwing pots, within a professional studio environment. Our Thursday evening classes are aimed at beginners. The class will be taught by Clay College students, who have a wealth of ceramic experience and will be there [...]
Throwing Taster Day – Sat 10th Feb
Have you ever wanted to try your hand at making a pot on the wheel? Now is your chance! This taster session is aimed at people with very limited or no experience of throwing who wish to have a go. During the taster session, you will try out the basic skills and techniques needed to [...]
4 Day Throwing Masterclass with Brian Dickenson
Clay College Stoke is so pleased to be able to offer a 4-Day Hands-on Masterclass from Saturday 17th to Tuesday 20th February. This course is suitable for complete beginners or those who have some knowledge and wish to improve their throwing. Topics to be covered: Clay preparation, wedging and kneading. Throwing techniques Lifting techniques, hand [...]
Tuesday Evening Classes – February 20th to 26th March
Clay College Stoke, located in the historic setting of Middleport Pottery, offers mixed-ability evening classes to learn the technical skills of throwing pots, within a professional studio environment. All are welcome, from beginners to those with some pottery experience, The classes run during college term time in 6-week blocks. Each class will feature technical [...]
Thursday Beginners Evening Classes – 5 week block – Feb 29th to March 28th.
Clay College Stoke, located in the historic setting of Middleport Pottery, offers evening classes to learn the technical skills of throwing pots, within a professional studio environment. Our Thursday evening classes are aimed at beginners. The class will be taught by Clay College students, who have a wealth of ceramic experience and will be there [...]
Introduction to Raku
This workshop will be run by Andy Mason, a potter with over 30 years of ceramics experience. In this workshop, he combines his techniques with the great tradition of Raku, sharing his enthusiasm for this fascinating activity ~ a blend of art, alchemy, and surprise! You will be guided and encouraged through creative glazing methods [...]
Home Technician Workshop – Darren Ellis
Saturday 16th - Sunday 17th March This intensive 2-day course will cover: Workshop Health & Safety. Clay handling - reclaiming, wedging, blending. Glaze technology – mixing, application, storing. Kiln packing. Gas and electric firing. Clay College is a not-for-profit organisation so all the proceeds from our masterclasses support the work we do. Please note: There [...]
Throwing Taster Day – Sat 23rd March
Have you ever wanted to try your hand at making a pot on the wheel? Now is your chance! This taster session is aimed at people with very limited or no experience of throwing who wish to have a go. During the taster session, you will try out the basic skills and techniques needed to [...]
Throwing Shape and Form with Brian Dickenson
Clay College Stoke is so pleased to be able to offer a 2-Day Hands-on masterclass from the 13th to the 14th of April. A perfect opportunity to build upon your core skills from throwing cylinders, bowls and flatware to adding shape and form to your throwing. The class will be led by Brian Dickenson, an [...]
Monday Evening Classes – 15th April to 20th May
Clay College Stoke, located in the historic setting of Middleport Pottery, offers mixed-ability evening classes to learn the technical skills of throwing pots, within a professional studio environment. All are welcome, from beginners to those with some pottery experience, The classes run during college term time in 6-week blocks. Each class will feature technical [...]
Thursday – Beginners Evening Class – April 18th to May 23rd.
Clay College Stoke, located in the historic setting of Middleport Pottery, offers evening classes to learn the technical skills of throwing pots, within a professional studio environment. Our Thursday evening classes are aimed at beginners. The class will be taught by Clay College students, who have a wealth of ceramic experience and will be there [...]
Handles and Lugs Masterclass with Kevin Millward
Clay College Stoke is so pleased to be able to offer a Day Masterclass focussing on perfecting Handles and Lugs guided by our course director Kevin Millward. The class will begin with Kevin's years of expertise in throwing shapes and adding handles and lugs to suit the specific forms. Participants will be guided on how [...]
Throwing Taster Day – 18th May
Have you ever wanted to try your hand at making a pot on the wheel? Now is your chance! This taster session is aimed at people with very limited or no experience of throwing who wish to have a go. During the taster session, you will try out the basic skills and techniques needed to [...]
Monday Intermediate Evening Classes – 5 Week Block – June/July
Clay College Stoke, located in the historic setting of Middleport Pottery, offers evening classes to learn the technical skills of throwing pots, within a professional studio environment. Our Monday evening classes are aimed at an intermediate level. The class will be taught by Clay College students, Maya Hughes and Callum Forbes, who have a wealth [...]
Porcelain Throwing Masterclass with Kevin Millward
Clay College Stoke is so pleased to be able to offer a Day Masterclass focussing on tips, tricks and techniques for Porcelain guided by our course director Kevin Millward. An opportunity for those with some throwing experience to learn how to use porcelain from a master potter with years of experience working with various clay [...]
Lids, Spouts and Handles Masterclass with Kevin Millward
Clay College Stoke is so pleased to be able to offer a Day Masterclass focussing on perfecting Lids, Spouts and Handles guided by our course director Kevin Millward. The class will begin with Kevin's years of expertise in throwing shapes and adding handles, lids and spouts. Participants will be guided on how to create and [...]
Altered Forms Masterclass with Kevin Millward
Clay College Stoke is so pleased to be able to offer a Day Masterclass focussing on throwing and altering forms guided by our course director Kevin Millward. An opportunity for those with some throwing experience to learn how to do faceting, distortion, surface addition and alterations. This short 1 day course will give you guided [...]
Soda Firing 4-Day Masterclass
During this course, you will learn to glaze, pack, fire and build with the guidance of Brian Dickenson. Day timings 10 am - 4 pm. Firing Day will start at 8 am. Day 1: Slip/Glaze and pack our on-site brick kiln. Day 2: Fire kiln - Stage-by-stage instructions and keeping kiln logs. Day 3: Kiln [...]
Monday Hand-Building Evening Class – 4th November to 9th December
Clay College Stoke Clay College, Middleport Pottery, STOKE-ON-TRENT, CountyJoin us this November to learn how to create amazing forms without the use of a potters' wheel in our hand-building course! Taught by resident potter and Clay College Technician, Will Broughton, participants will learn how to create professional-looking pots using slab and coiling techniques. In this evening block, students will work with red earthenware, [...]
Monday Beginners Evening Class – 4th November to 9th December
Whether you’re new to throwing or have dabbled before, our Beginner Evening Classes will help you to gain confidence and create pots you’ll be proud of! Running over six weeks, this block of beginner evening classes will focus on throwing with red earthenware. Red clay, commonly known as terracotta, is synonymous with Stoke-on-Trent and was [...]
Wednesday Intermediate Evening Class – 6th November to 11th December
If you’re looking to step up your throwing game, our intermediate classes will help you to achieve your goals whether this be a specific form, shape or technique. Running over six weeks, this block of intermediate evening classes will focus on throwing with red earthenware. Red clay, commonly known as terracotta, is synonymous with Stoke-on-Trent [...]
Thursday Beginner Evening Class – 7th November to 12th December
Whether you’re new to throwing or have dabbled before, our Beginner Evening Classes will help you to gain confidence and create pots you’ll be proud of! Running over six weeks, this block of beginner evening classes will focus on throwing with red earthenware. Red clay, commonly known as terracotta, is synonymous with Stoke-on-Trent and was [...]
Clive and Dylan Bowen Demonstration Masterclass
Clay College Stoke Clay College, Middleport Pottery, STOKE-ON-TRENT, CountyWe are delighted to host Clive and Dylan Bowen for a day of demonstrations and conversation. This is a rare opportunity to see two very different experts in slip-decorated earthenware working together and individually and sharing techniques, tips, stories and insights into their careers. Clive Bowen worked alongside Michael Leach and Michael Cardew before setting [...]