Slab Building & Surface Mark Making
Craig Underhill11th - 14th May 2026 | 4 Day Workshop | £1,000
This course will focus on techniques for making clay slabs, constructing 3D forms from slabs and then incorporating mark making and surface texture to enhance the forms.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOWThe Course in Detail
Craig will be demonstrating some of the ways in which he works to design, conceive and create his pieces and will show students a variety of different techniques to achieve a range of results. Craig will share the slab building techniques that he uses as well as a range of surface marking techniques that can be used to produce painterly surfaces. This includes using engobe, slip, impressing, grog and sand, monoprint and stenciling.
Students will be shown how to cut, reassemble and rejoin in order to produce unique finished pieces using a variety of colours and marks.
There will be opportunities for students to discuss their work on a one-to-one basis as well as part of the wider group.
Each student will have their own dedicated workspace and will receive plenty of individual attention.
Please note, there will be a small additional firing charge for final pieces. Please see our Student Contract for details.
USEFUL INFOCourse Breakdown
Day 1 - Exploring colour, mark making and texture in an experimental way using slips, engobes and texturing materials. Craig will demonstrate techniques that he typically uses and students will have a go at using these. A series of test tiles will be created by the end of the day.
Day 2 - Review and evaluate the collection of marks that were made using different techniques from day one, select and apply some of these to simple slab built cylindrical vessel forms. Explore cutting into and distorting these forms to create more fragmented, complex 3D forms.
Day 3 - Following a presentation from Craig about sources of inspiration, and using sketchbooks to explore ideas, students will explore and plan their own ideas for a more complex 3D slab built form. Prepare the clay and materials needed and start making this larger piece of work.
Day 4 - Complete the larger slab built form applying marks and textures that the students have selected and planned. Use oxides to enhance the textures and marks that were made on the test tiles from day one which have now been biscuit fired.
There will be no specific kiln firing during the week, other than of the test pieces made on day one. We will, however, encourage students to keep, and finish, a few carefully selected final pieces. These will be fired and be ready for collection a few weeks later.
Please note, there will be a small additional firing charge for final pieces. Details of our firing charges can be found in our Student Contract. Please also note, we do not offer a glazing service.
Key information
-
DATE
Monday 11th - Thursday 14th May
-
CLASS SIZE
Maximum 10 students
-
LEVEL
Knowledge of slab building would be desirable, but not essential
-
CLAY TYPE
Stoneware
-
COST
£1,000 (Flexible payment plans)
-
FOOD & DRINK
A two-course lunch will be provided every day
Craig was born in Glasgow, he graduated with a Higher National Diploma in Ceramics at Harrow College, then achieved a BA(Hons) Fine Art specialising in ceramics at Portsmouth Polytechnic. He has taught extensively and became a selected member of the Craft Potters Association in 2005. Craig’s work is influenced by his surroundings, places and landscapes. He now lives and works in West Cornwall.
About Craig
GUEST POTTER BIO
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECTThe Schedule
-
Welcome breakfast (from 9am - 10am). The session will start at 10am and will finish at 5pm. Students may continue to use the facilities until 7pm.
-
On the second day the session will start at 9:30am and will finish at 5pm. Students may continue to use the facilities until 7pm.
-
On the third day the session will start at 9:30am and will finish at 5pm. Students may continue to use the facilities until 7pm.
-
On the final day the session will start at 9:30am and will finish at 5pm. Students may continue to use the facilities until 7pm.
-
A two course lunch is provided everyday. Please inform us of any special dietary requirements at the time of booking.
A delicious home cooked two-course lunch will be provided every day
As well as refreshments throughout the day.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
The Ceramic Studio is located on a beautiful orchard in Brenchley, and there are lots of lovely surrounding towns and villages offering numerous places to stay.
We are happy to arrange transits to and from local accommodation to the studio for the duration of your course. There may be a small fee for this depending on where you are staying. If you know you will require transits please contact us to enquire before booking your accommodation. Please email the office team at info@theceramicstudio.co.uk.
To see examples of local accommodation, click here.
-
There is a small charge for fired work. Charges are as follows:
£5 per 500g for glazed work
£6 per 500g for glazed work with oxide
£10 per 500g for any glazed work over 30cm in height or width
£2 per 500g for work that is bisque fired but not glazed
Please also note that The Ceramic Studio does not offer a glazing service.
-
Yes! During this Guest Potter Workshop, you’ll be treated to a Welcome Breakfast on the first day, plus morning and afternoon refreshments daily, including teas, coffees, sweet treats, and fresh fruit. A freshly cooked two-course lunch, prepared here in the studio, is also provided every day, with dietary requirements confirmed in advance.
-
If we haven’t quite answered your question please click here to view our guest potter FAQs page or email us info@theceramicstudio.co.uk