Description
Torquay Pottery Class
The Clay Club is a weekly* Torquay pottery class where you can learn to make with clay during a 2 hour session. Currently only 6 people per session. This session is running on Tuesdays and Fridays, with the option of 2 time slots. Sessions currently run 2 day a week (keep updated of studio dates by following The Clay Club on Instagram).
These sessions are run by local potter and artist Christina. She will assist you during your session to make something with clay. You can learn to hand-build and throw on the wheel (currently only 2 wheels, operating on a first come first serve basis with a 30min max on wheels if more than 1 person is wanting to use).
There is a wide variety of making and decorating tools; as well as colourants and glazes for your clay makes. All students are encouraged to research online on websites like Pinterest and Instagram for inspiration prior to your session although Christina is happy to show you examples as well (browse Christina’s pottery beginner’s Pinterest board HERE for Inspiration and ideas.) We also have many pottery books that maybe good for some inspiration for what to make. OR you can go with the flow and just play and experiment with the clay to make something.
The Studio Address where your pottery session will take place is:
Unit 3, Bath Lane, Torquay, Devon, UK, TQ2 5AS
Some things to keep in mind…
Please only make enough to fit on TWO tiles during your session. After you leave, your pottery will be tidied-up, dried, bisque fired, cleaned, bottoms waxed, coated in glaze and glaze fired. This is all carefully done and takes time. Also, keep in mind both clay and glazes are expensive materials. So please keep your work to TWO tiles so that I can still keep sessions affordably priced.
Your Pottery is NOT guaranteed to come out of the kiln as firing goes up to 1250C and at these high temperatures firing clay can be very reactive. So cracks and Kiln explosions are therefore a possibility. Although Christina tries hard to reduce this through thorough drying and slow firings. Pottery faults are very normal in Ceramics and part of the process. This makes undamaged work extra-special.
Thicker clay results in:
- Longer drying times (up-to 12 weeks)
- Higher possibility of cracking and exploding in the kiln
- If your pottery is too thick (3cm) in any places, Christina will not be able to fire it at all due to possibility of kiln damage
- Sculpture should be hollow by carving out from the base or using hollow balls to use as your sculpture’s base
Please make time at the end of your session to label your work with your full name, contact email/number, glaze choice and session date. And please photograph your work
Glazing
Pick a glaze from the options shown. Some glazes are NOT food safe so please check if your ceramic item is holding food or drink.
Please write your name and glaze choice with today’s date on paper provided and place with your ceramic piece/s on drying shelf.
If you’re attending a second session: you may paint different colours using the underglazes (later with a transparent glaze on top) but keep in mind you can only do this after some weeks as your piece must first be Bisque fired (have the first firing).
After your Session
You may choose to finish your clay makes during the session or ask Christina to keep for the next week to finish if you plan on coming again (Unfinished work will be kept wrapped in plastic on the shelving but please label with your name).
Once you have finished your 2 hour session; Christina will tidy up, dry, fire & glaze your finished work.
Work can take up-to 15 weeks to come out of the glaze firing. Check the finished work webpage. Book in a pick up time with Christina (not available Saturday or Sunday). Usually available Tuesday 10am-8pm; Friday 5-8pm to collect your Torquay pottery class finished work.
Clay does wash out in the washing machine or can be sponged off. We supply aprons and towels to keep mostly clean during the sessions.
All the clay and firings are included in the introductory price of £18 per 2 hour session.*
Must be 18 years or older to attend
*pottery classes are weekly, you can book and attend these as a regular weekly hobby or attend one class just to experience making pottery
*Due to the price of firing, clay, glaze and materials please do not exceed using two tiles worth of clay work (things you make must fit on two 15cm x 15cm tiles to save on space in the kiln)
Browse other available dates for The Clay Club weekly Sessions and one-off Tasters here.
Terms and Conditions
Links
Learn more about Christina’s ceramics on the About page.
Read The Pottery Blog
Browse Clay Club on Instagram
Browse Christina Goodall’s ceramics on Instagram
Take a look at Christina Goodall Ceramics for sale
Browse other available dates for The Clay Club weekly Sessions and one-off Tasters here.
