Description

Students will be encouraged to experiment with different scale and style of vessel, including multi-part throwing for larger pot-making. This year, we shall also look at casseroles and the challenges of making and lidding wider forms.

Students will be challenged to develop their throwing techniques in ways to make better upright and spherical forms more efficiently and confidently. We will look closely at the weights and measures of pots and challenge these in relation to ergonomics and fitness to purpose. One-to-one and group tutorial will be tailored to inspire students to develop new skills and to imaginatively expand upon their own individual range of pots. Tuition will also be available in wedging techniques for those wishing to extend their core clay prep’ skills.

Skill level: It will be expected that students attending this course will already have some experience in wheel throwing. The course will cater for students at different levels of capability, but it is not open to absolute Beginners. Applications are welcome only from students who are confidently already able to centre, and to comfortably lift-up approximately a kilo or more of clay into an upright shape. If you are unsure what level you are at, and whether or not this course is suitable for you, please don’t hesitate to get in touch for a chat.

Schedule: The 4½ day course begins on the afternoon of Friday 17th July 2026, 2pm – 5pm, and completes on the afternoon of Tuesday 21st July at 4pm. Tuition hours otherwise are 10am-4pm. The studio is freely available for students to work outside of these hours, early or late. The course fee includes Petra’s fabulous home-made vegetarian lunches along with morning and afternoon refreshments, and wood-fired pizza from the outdoor oven on the evening of Monday 20th, weather permitting. 

Facilities: Each participant will enjoy unlimited access to a power wheel for the full duration. These are Fitzwilliam Rayefcos and Alsagers. The Rayefcos have hand-ratchet control which is of benefit for throwing larger and wider forms. The  studio invites a maximum of 9 students for this course. All students will use Wobage’s venerated buff stoneware throwing clay which we make on site. Students are invited to bring their own toolbox, but it’s not necessary for your participation. There is a stock of quality hand-tools in the Wobage throwing studio for you to borrow.

Firing: Students will be invited to select two favourite jars to be salt-glazed and wood-fired in one of the Wobage Phoenix kilns, at a cost of £5.50/lb. The pieces you select for firing must carry a maker’s seal, initials, or signature.You may also take home a small selection of greenware, which will be charged at £1.50/lb.

Student discount: If you are 25 yrs or under, and a Full-time student in Higher Education, or you are within your first year after having graduated, this course invites a 20% discount. Which makes the course fee £576.00. If you would like to apply for this, please send us a request by e-mail.

More information about Jeremy Steward is available on the Tutors Pages