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5-Week Hand-Building Pottery Course

Learn how to create stunning hand-built pottery in this 5-week course, guided by renowned ceramic artist Lise Moorcroft with support from our experienced Studio Hosts. Held in the inspiring Creative Studios at World of Wedgwood, this course is perfect for anyone looking to develop their skills and craft unique, beautiful pieces in a relaxed and supportive environment.   

What to Expect 

This course includes five weekly sessions, each lasting 2.5 hours. Over the weeks, you’ll explore a variety of hand-building techniques, refine your craftsmanship, and decorate your creations. The course culminates with beautifully finished pieces, ready to display and cherish.   

Course Breakdown   

Week 1: Slump & Press Moulds – Begin with foundational forms and learn how to shape clay using moulds. 

Week 2: Pinch Pots – Craft simple yet elegant pinch pots, ideal for exploring form and texture.   

Week 3: Coiling – Build on your skills to create intricate pieces using the coiling technique.   

Week 4: Free Making – Combine techniques from previous weeks to craft another unique piece.   

Week 5: Decorating – Bring your creations to life with decorating techniques using underglaze. Your pieces will be glaze-fired and ready to collect within four weeks.   

After completing the initial structured term, participants can come back to continue building their skills and creatively develop under Lise’s expert guidance.

What’s Included   

  • All materials, clay, apron, and tools are provided.   
  • Bisque firing of one piece each making week and glaze firing of all items at the end of the course.   
  • Expert guidance and personalised instruction from tutor Lise Moorcroft and our experienced Studio Hosts.   
  • A small group setting ensures plenty of individual attention.

Course Details 

Block 2 Dates: 

  • 6th October
  • 13th October
  • 20th October
  • 3rd November
  • 10th November 

Block 3 Dates: 

  • 17th November
  • 24th November
  • 1st December
  • 8th December
  • 15th December 

Time: Mondays, 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM  (Term Time Only)

Location: Creative Studios, World of Wedgwood, Stoke-on-Trent   

Price: £165 per person   

Transform clay into beautiful works of art and develop skills to last a lifetime. Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to enhance your techniques, this course offers the perfect opportunity to create, connect, and grow.   

Meet Your Tutor: Lise Moorcroft  

Lise Moorcroft, a celebrated ceramic artist and fourth-generation member of the legendary Moorcroft pottery family, brings her expertise and passion for ceramics to this course. With deep roots in Stoke-on-Trent’s rich ceramic heritage and a degree from London’s Central School of Art and Design, Lise combines traditional techniques with her unique creative flair.   

Her work, cherished by collectors worldwide, reflects her connection to nature and her dedication to the art of pottery. 

T’s & C’s

The course includes all materials, clay, tools, and aprons. 

Firing Inclusions: The course fee includes bisque and glaze firing for one small to medium piece (up to 2 lbs of clay) per making week, for a total of four finished glazed pieces.
During the final decorating week, participants can choose from our range of studio glazes and underglazes, or opt for a clear glaze, to enhance any slip or underglaze decoration applied. The studio team will process all glazed work, and finished pieces will be ready for collection within four weeks.
Any additional pieces or oversized items (over 2 lbs per item or exceeding the allocated kiln space for the course duration) will be subject to our standard studio firing charges, which can be paid during the course before processing.

Cancellations: Cancellations must be made at least 48 hours before the course start date. Unfortunately, cancellations made with less than 48 hours’ notice and no-shows cannot be refunded. Once a course has started, the fees become non-refundable. Please ensure you can attend the entire course before booking your place. 

Missing Lessons: Our courses are structured progressively, with each lesson building upon the previous one. Unfortunately, due to the course structure, it’s not possible to reschedule missed lessons to another date. 

Clay is a temperamental medium; cracks may sometimes occur during the firing process. 

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Hand Building Ceramic Pieces
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Guests enjoying a Hand Building Course
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Close up of Hand Building pieces
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Painting of the final pieces after firing
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Hand Building Ceramic Pieces
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Hand Building Ceramic Pieces