Francis Lloyd-JonesLearn to Throw
28th Sept - 2nd Oct 2026 | 5 Day Workshop | £1,000
This course will provide a full introduction to throwing on the potters wheel. Students will be taught the fundamentals of making a cylinder and bowl form, focussing on the basics to provide an understanding of the principle stages of making a simple pot. This course is ideal for beginners.
The Course in Detail
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOWThis beginners throwing course will guide participants through the fundamental principles behind making a simple cylinder and bowl form. Aimed at people with little to no experience Francis will start from the ground up. Starting with centring the clay and drawing up the walls, students will be taught the control needed to produce basic shapes and then how to turn and finish their pots.
The focus throughout the week will be on repetition and practicing a set of movements that underpin almost every aspect of throwing on the wheel.
Thorough demonstrations will precede prolonged periods of practice and refinement with each student receiving tailored attention as they progress through the exercises.
Towards the end of the course Francis will lead the students through the basics of attaching handles and some simple glazing techniques.
Each student will have their own wheel and will receive plenty of individual attention.
There will be no specific kiln firing during the week, however, we will encourage students to keep, and finish, a few carefully selected pieces. These will be fired and be ready for collection a few weeks later (there will be a small additional firing charge).
There will be opportunities for students to discuss their work with their fellow students and on a one-to-one basis with Francis.
Please note, there will be a small additional firing charge for final pieces. Please see our Student Contract for details. Please also note, we do not offer a glazing service.
USEFUL INFOCourse Breakdown
Day 1 - On the fist day Francis will teach the basics of clay preparation and getting started in a studio. He will then progress onto an introduction to throwing simple cylinder forms - basics of centring and drawing up the walls of a pot using a 1lb lump of clay. There will be a specific focus on cross sections of pots.
Day 2 - In the morning students will revisit cylinders from day one, continuing their practice, with a view to keeping some for turning the following day. During the afternoon, Francis will give an introduction to throwing simple bowl shapes with no footing, using 1lb lumps - finishing on the wheel.
Day 3 - In the morning Francis will give an introduction to turning using the cylinders from day two. During the afternoon, students will continue throwing bowls - now including throwing with foot rings in mind.
Day 4 - On the fourth day Francis will give an introduction to turning foot rings using bowls from day three. During the afternoon students will continue throwing, split between revisiting cylinders and bowls followed by introduction to throwing a simple round bellied form.
Day 5 - Students will continue turning pieces thrown on day four, then receive an introduction to handles using cylinders from day three. Francis will also provide and introduction to some simple glazing techniques.
Throughout the week students will gain the ability to centre and control a 1lb lump of clay on the wheel. Students will come away with an understanding of wheel speed and pressure on the clay, and will feel comfortable making a simple cylinder and bowl shape. Students will also begin to understand the state of the clay in throwing, turning and handling.
There will be no specific kiln firing during the week, however, we will encourage students to keep, and finish, a few carefully selected 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
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DATE
Monday 28th Sept - Friday 2nd Oct 2026
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DURATION
5 day workshop
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CLASS SIZE
Maximum 10 students
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LEVEL
Ideal for complete beginners or those with very little experience
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CLAY TYPE
Stoneware
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COST
£1,000 (flexible payment plans available)
GUEST POTTER BIOAbout Francis
Francis’ pots are quiet domestic objects made for use. They are all thrown and sometimes altered but all look for a balance between looseness and definition. They are intended for daily routine, drawing out the contentment of habitual activities.
Francis works using stoneware clays and salt glazes for his desired effects, ensuring a variation across each surface that is not wholly predictable.
After completing the two year Ceramic Skills and Design Course in Thomastown, Ireland, he went straight on to work at Maze Hill Pottery as apprentice to Lisa Hammond MBE, finishing in January 2022.
Since finishing his apprenticeship he has moved up to Cumbria working part time for Grizedale Arts where he runs the pottery and teaches as part of a community project called The Farmers Arms where he continues to produce his own work.
Francis is a selected member of the Craft Potters Association.
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECTThe 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
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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.
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· 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.
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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.
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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