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Of all types of clay, it is generally acknowledged that porcelain is the finest. So why not get your hands dirty with this expert-led class in throwing with porcelain. Although a tough skill to master, potter extraordinaire John Dawson will take you piece by piece through the basic techniques needed to master this beautiful and therapeutic art form

**In this class**

Students will learn how to throw on the potter's wheel using porcelain clay. Pottery is a skill that requires plenty of practice and the students will be taught to focus and be patient with their art. The class can also be used as a group outing to try something detached from ordinary day-to-day life. Teaching is done on a one on one basis with demonstrations from John himself, which gives the students the best chance of learning efficiently.

**Now you can**

* Incorporate throwing in porcelain into your artistic repertoire, with a good understanding of the art form *
* Try out some of the techniques that you learnt during the class in your own time *
* Take home your own personal porcelain object either for yourself or as a gift to a friend or family member *

**Keep / Eat**

Although all work has to be dried and fired twice, you are able to collect your work when it is ready to take home

Throwing in Porcelain

*Even though it is believed that pottery was invented in China as long ago as 1500BC, to allow for the formation of even, fine, smooth shapes, the same techniques are still being used today. You know what they say…If it aint broke, don’t fix it!*

Students will learn how to throw on the potter’s wheel using porcelain clay. Pottery is a skill that requires plenty of practice and the students will be taught to focus and be patient with their art. The class can also be used as a group outing to try something detached from ordinary day-to-day life. Teaching is done on a one on one basis with demonstrations from John himself, which gives the students the best chance of learning efficiently.

* Incorporate throwing in porcelain into your artistic repertoire, with a good understanding of the art form *
* Try out some of the techniques that you learnt during the class in your own time *
* Take home your own personal porcelain object either for yourself or as a gift to a friend or family member *

Although all work has to be dried and fired twice, you are able to collect your work when it is ready to take home

Great experience. John is a fantastic teacher, very patient and fun to learn from. We addressed a couple of specific issues I had throwing porcelain, and I came away with new techniques to address these. John was very open and lovely to chat to, and I was able to ask anything to get a broader understanding of porcelain as a material. Highly recommended!

Jane Simmonds

It was clear, from the outset, that John is an excellent and experienced teacher who is able to quickly gauge what help and guidance you need. This is a friendly and supportive environment in which to learn and I really appreciated the guidance and advice. I would strongly recommend this course. 

Potter extraordinaire John Dawson will take you piece by piece through the basic techniques needed to master porcelaine pottering in this workshop

John Dawson Porcelain Bowl - Obby

John Dawson came over to the UK from New Zealand in the 1970s, where studio pottery constituted a popular and active movement and dominated the crafts. Although he initially arrived in England with the intention of studying the harpsichord and organ at Trinity College of Music London, John's desire to work with clay was still very strong and soon took over from the music. 

Having now graduated from Goldsmiths' College, there are stylistic parallels to be drawn between John's music and his pottery, both being drawn from the Baroque period.   

The simplistic themes associated with Baroque music have been incorporated into John's art. With Baroque music, the form is usually very simple, with only a few notes being used, allowing the performer to embellish or decorate the piece with their own emotions and ideas. Similarly, John has used porcelain clay to express these feelings. As with the basic theme of a baroque piece, with pottery, a simple bowl form is made and then altered to create an impression of movement.

John Dawson

Our classes

Our classes

Our classes