Illustrating Clay

Monday 18th November - Friday 22nd November 2024

Summary

We are very excited to have Helen Beard return to the studio to deliver her popular ‘Illustrating Clay’ course in Autumn 2024. This course will see Helen guide students through the different methods she uses to create her "Handmade Stories". 

Students will learn how to illustrate clay vessels and objects using Helen’s unique methods, creating pictures and stories of their own.

the course in detail

Using porcelain as a canvas, students will have the opportunity to explore Helen's techniques for mark making on the clay. 

The course will cover painting with underglaze colours, using wax resist and stencils, and Helen will share her unique method of mixing glycerin with underglaze stains to make a type of relief print on clay.   

Students will have the opportunity to hand build simple objects in porcelain clay which they can decorate during the course.  

All techniques learnt are transferable to wheel thrown pottery, so students may wish to bring in their own bisqueware to decorate during the course.  Alternatively they will be able to decorate Helen’s pre-prepared tableware vessels.  

Pieces will be glazed in transparent glaze and students will be able to collect their work at a later date. 

Please note, there will be a small additional firing charge for final pieces. Please see our Student Contract (below) for details.

About helen

Helen Beard is a potter and illustrator. She works from her London studio where she makes, draws, designs and teaches.  

Helen fell in love with clay whilst she was at the Edinburgh College of Art. After college, Helen was fortunate enough to land an apprenticeship with the celebrated potter and writer Edmund de Waal in London. Helen then set up her own studio in London in 2004. 

Helen was a keen painter from an early age. Now she sketches in ink and paints in watercolour. Her expressive style tells a playful story of contemporary life.  

Helen’s studio is based in North London where the local area and people inspire much of her work. Many characters crop up again and again in her sketchbooks and on her pots - from swimmers in the parks to traders at the local markets. By grouping her pots together, Helen likes to tell a story - creating whimsical scenes that capture the small yet precious moments that make up our daily lives. 

Helen creates works of art for galleries, museums, private clients and luxury retailers. Notable clients have included the National Gallery, Jo Malone London and Fortnum and Mason. 

THE SCHEDULE

DAY 1 - Arrive 9am Monday 18th November
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.

DAY 2 - Arrive 9:30am Tuesday 19th November
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.

DAY 3 - Arrive 9:30am Wednesday 20th November
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.

DAY 4 - Arrive 9:30am Thursday 21st November
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.

DAY 5 - Arrive 9:30am Friday 22nd November
On the final day the session will start at 09:30 and will finish at 4pm.

A two course lunch is provided everyday. Please inform us of any special dietary requirements at the time of booking.

Cost

The cost for this five-day course is £1,100. This cost includes all necessary materials, tools, refreshments and a superb two-course lunch every day. Also included is a Welcome breakfast which will be provided on the first day of the course.

You can pay in full or pay a deposit by clicking on the ‘Book Now’ button above. If you choose to pay a deposit we will contact you to arrange paying the remainder of your balance in instalments.

Before you book a Guest Potter Course, please read our terms and conditions page here.

Please also read our Student Contract here.

TRAVEL AND ACCOMODATION

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.

Date: 18th - 22nd November 2024

Venue: The Ceramic Studio (Brenchley)

Class Size: Maximum 10 students

Level: This course is suitable for potters of all levels. 

Clay Type: Porcelain (although stoneware is also an option)

Cost: £1,100 (pay in full or in instalments)