Frances SavageSlip Decorated Kitchenware
20th - 24th September 2027 | 5 Day Workshop | £950
During this five-day workshop Frances Savage will teach a combination of throwing and altering techniques using terracotta clay as well as giving a thorough introduction to slip decoration using earthenware.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
The Course in Detail
The course will be based around throwing and trimming techniques to create functional kitchenware for your home using terracotta clay, focusing on forms perfect for decorating such as bowls, cups, jugs and plates, as well as throwing and altering techniques for baking and serving dishes.
Students will be learning about the use of slip in low-fired earthenware and practicing slip application techniques. Students will learn how to work with wet-slip decoration, using slip trailers and other tools to make spontaneous marks to decorate the pieces. The course will also look at sgraffito and other traditional slipware techniques such as feathering and marbling to create beautiful slipware pieces.
Each student will have their own wheel 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 INFO
Course Breakdown
Day 1: AM & PM - The first day will begin with introductions and a welcome from Frances. The session will then start with a demonstration from Frances and students will then spend time throwing, focusing on cylinders and transforming cylinders into forms such as mugs, cups and jugs.
Day 2: AM - On the second day of the workshop students will spend time throwing bowls and looking at different bowl forms.
PM - In the afternoon Frances will give demonstrations on attaching handles to mugs, jugs and cups and, with Fran’s guidance, student will practice attaching handles to their pieces.
Day 3: AM - Following demonstrations from Frances students will spend time trimming bowls and looking at different foot rings.
PM - In the afternoon students will learn about making slips. Fran will lead a session which will demonstrate which materials should be used and how to make some small batches of coloured slips for decorating.
Students will then spend time slipping pots from earlier in the week - mugs, jugs, bowls and tiles for different slip decoration techniques.
Day 4: AM & PM - On the fourth day students will spend the day throwing and altering. Fran will guide students on how to make baking dishes and other altered forms.
Day 5: AM - On the final day students will spend time in the morning finishing their thrown and altered pieces.
PM - In the afternoon students will finish slip decorating their pieces.
There will be no specific kiln firing during the workshop, however, students’ pieces will be fired and be ready for collection a few weeks later. Alternatively, students are welcome to take away their greenware (students must bring protective packaging when taking or collecting their pieces).
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
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DATE
Monday 20th - Friday 24th September 2027
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DURATION
5 day workshop
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CLASS SIZE
Maximum 10 students
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LEVEL
This course is suitable for those with some throwing experience.
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CLAY TYPE
Earthenware
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COST
£950 (Flexible payment plans)
GUEST POTTER BIO
About Frances
France Savage is a studio potter based at the Manchester Ceramics Collective, Old Trafford. Frances completed two years studying at Clay College, Stoke on Trent, on an intensive course designed to teach a new generation a practical and in-depth exploration of the craft of pottery. She then spent three months as an assistant at La Meridiana, International School of Ceramics in Tuscany, guiding the students of a three-month intensive ceramics course, focusing on gas reduction firing and participating in two wood firings. Frances currently makes pots in her own studio.
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT
The Schedule
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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.
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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.
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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.
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On the fourth day the session will start at 9:30am and will finish at 5pm. Students may continue to use the facilities until 7pm.
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On the final day the session will start at 9:30am and will finish at 4pm.
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A two course lunch is provided everyday. Please inform us of any special dietary requirements at the time of booking.
Travel & Accommodation
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 your accommodation to the studio for the duration of your course. Please get in touch to arrange this. Please email the office team at info@theceramicstudio.co.uk. To see examples of local accommodation, click here.