summer intensives

During the summer months, we make the most of the lovely summer weather in the garden and run our summer intensives. These are skills-based courses for both beginners and intermediate potters in our 1 day workshops. With a maximum of 6 people in the class each with their own wheel, you will get a lot of 1-1 attention to maximise your learning. Participants must be 16yrs or over to partake.

The taught sessions will run from 10am - 4pm daily. Lunch is not provided, but coffees and cake will be provided throughout the day. There will be a covered seated area in the garden for lunch, where you can bring your packed lunch. If you fancy stretching your legs, we cannot recommend enough popping to Stennings Bakery in Carshalton Beeches for lunch! The toilet is located in the house up a short flight of deck stairs, please let us know if you have any accessibility issues.

All materials will be provided here. Please bring an apron and a teatowel.

1 day re-centre workshop

Suitable for intermediate potters

Want to feel more confident bringing yourself back on centre when things go wrong?

A wise potter once said to us: Practice makes perfect—if your practice is perfect. In other words, it’s not just about throwing well when everything’s going smoothly, but knowing how to respond when it’s not.

We’ll focus on re-centering and troubleshooting throughout the throwing process. Pots can be kept and turned in FW sessions afterwards.

£125

Morning

  • Drills coming on and off centre

  • Query why and how clay comes off-centre

  • Introduce practical techniques to bring clay back on centre, especially during: centering, opening, pulling

  • Develop various collaring techniques to bring the clay back in

Afternoon

You’ll refine one chosen shape, making deliberate decisions like centering to a specific width and pulling to key points. Focusing on one form with the skills gained earlier will build your confidence in creating the pots you want—and in recovering when things don’t go as planned.

1 day beginners intensive

Suitable for absolute beginners

Want to dive deep into pottery with an immersive taster experience?

Throw yourself in the joy of clay in a beautiful garden setting! This 1-day intensive teaches essential wheel-throwing skills to help you progress. You’ll keep 3 finished pieces, turned and glazed by us.

If you enjoy it, consider continuing with our 8-week course to deepen your practice…

£140

Morning

  • Clay preparation, wedging the clay

  • Centering clay

  • Opening the clay

  • Pulling techniques for cylinders

Afternoon

  • Continuation of pulling walls

  • Collaring techniques to refine shapes

  • Differing techniques for bowls

Book a summer intensive

Please read our T&C’s and Health & safety before booking. Note, when booking the intensives. For more than 6 weeks notice, we can offer a refund minus a £50 admin fee. Otherwise, we do our best to refund you but only if we manage to resell the spot. Please note, the courses need at least 3 people for them to run, else there is a risk that we may need to cancel and give you a full refund.

USE CODE SUMAC10 to get 10% off if you book before 15th June, 2025.

1 DAY RE-CENTRE TROUBLESHOOTING

  • Friday 15th August

  • Monday Bank Holiday, 25th August

1 DAY BEGINNERS INTENSIVE

  • Thursday 14th August

  • Thursday 28th August