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Progression

About our Progression Courses

These practice-based throwing courses are for throwers who have prior experience and want to improve their skills. During the course we will start to introduce larger weights of clay and practice forming shapes with intention. It will be held in the Kiln Shed, which is a large purpose-built studio within our grounds at Whichford Pottery that allows plenty of space to practice and develop your work.

Our Progression courses are taught by our Senior Throwers Joe, Riv and Simon, who have over 50 years combined experience working with us here at Whichford and throw everything from bespoke tableware to large flowerpots. The techniques our tutors will share with you will be the same as we share with our apprentices and these will provide you with a solid foundation for your pottery journey, no matter which direction you wish to take it.

The principles of the techniques are introduced through a series of short demonstrations. The rest of the time will be spent practicing these methods and getting through lots of clay! Help will be on hand every step of the way. On your last session you will be able to keep your favourite pieces of work, these will be dried and fired in our kilns.

The classes include demonstrations of techniques, plus one-to-one tuition from one of our Senior Throwers.

The course covers:
 — Clay preparation
 — Centering and the foundations of the Three Pull technique
 — Practicing form, throwing to specific measurements and creating shapes with intention
 — Introduction to making and turning a bowl


PROGRESSION — SIX WEEK COURSE
Price: £325 for block of six sessions. 
Session Duration: 6.00pm – 7.30pm (Your final session is 2 hours long: 6pm – 8pm)
Course Dates
January 2025 Course — Sold Out
Start Date: 8th January End Date: 12th February
May 2025 Course — Booking Now Open
Start Date: April 30th End Date: June 4th 2025 
Where: The Kiln Shed, Whichford Pottery
Places: 8
Level: For our Progression courses we ask for throwers to have some prior throwing experience.
What you take home: Up to five pieces that you throw on your last session. We will fire this for collection three weeks later.Prices include clay & firing costs. 

Timetable and refreshments
Our weekly courses start at 6pm and finish at 7.30pm. Tea and coffee will be available throughout the evening (self service). Individuals can take breaks as and when they feel necessary throughout the evening.


PROGRESSION — TWO DAY INTENSIVE COURSE
Price: £450 for two-day course.
Course Dates
Spring Course — Sold Out
Friday 25th & Saturday 26th April 2025
Summer Course —  Booking Now Open
Friday 15th & Saturday 16th August 2025
Where: The Kiln Shed, Whichford Pottery
Places: 8
Level: For our Progression courses we ask for throwers to have some prior throwing experience.
What you take home: Up to five pieces that you throw on your last session. We will fire this for collection three weeks later.
Prices include clay & firing costs. 

Timetable 
Day 1: 9.30 am – 4.30 pm
Day 2: 10 am – 4.30pm

Refreshments:There will be an hour’s lunch break each day between 12.30 and 1.30. Lunch will be provided by our café, The Straw Kitchen. We will have a half an hour tea break at 2.45 pm. Tea, coffee, biscuits/cake will be available throughout the day (self service). Individuals are encouraged to take breaks as and when they feel necessary throughout the day.
 


Course Materials 
Tools, equipment and aprons will be provided. 
Please remember to wear comfortable clothing that
you do not mind getting dirty.
All clay and firing costs are included. 
Please note that the clay you will be using throughout the course is earthenware. Your pieces will be glazed in a clear glaze by our team before firing.

Accommodation
Whichford Pottery sits on the edge of the Cotswolds and is surrounded by beautiful towns and villages. We have put together a list of our recommended places to stay whilst you are on your course. This list is by no means exhaustive!
Click here for recommended accommodation options.

For more information or if you have any queries email us
thekilnshed@​whichfordpottery.​com

Book Your Place Now

General Terms & Conditions