Paul SmithHand Building Animals
11th - 12th July 2026 | 2 Day Workshop | £400
Students will learn several different methods of hand building clay animal sculptures over this enjoyable weekend.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOWThe Course in Detail
Paul makes hand built ceramic figurative sculptures on the theme of our relationship with the animal world.
Paul’s style is bold and semi-abstract, with graceful sweeping curves and simplified details. His inspiration comes from a love of nature, the history of art and European folk stories.
During this two-day workshop Paul will demonstrate his hand building techniques, using a framework method developed over 27 years. Students will build their clay animal sculptures using Paul’s ‘sculpture framework’ - an external armature comprising a system of rods to support the clay until it can take its own weight.
No previous experience of sculpture is necessary as Paul’s simple approach to clay modelling is suitable for beginners or experienced studio ceramicists. The emphasis will be on learning new ways of handling clay together as a group, in a light-hearted atmosphere.
Students will make a number of sculptures over the course of the weekend and will have the opportunity to experiment with decoration using slips and stains on some of the smaller pieces. The larger pieces will be fired undecorated, and all pieces will be ready for collection a few weeks later (there will be a small additional firing charge).
This is predominantly a clay modelling workshop, so Paul will talk about the possible different approaches to glazing and ceramic colours, and will give a Q&A session with some hands-on application of coloured slips on a couple of smaller pieces. If students wish to return at a later date to glaze their pieces they can book in a separate glazing session (standard one-off session prices will be applied to glazing sessions). Please note that glazing sessions will be untutored.
Alternatively, students can take their bisque pieces away unglazed.
Each student will have their own dedicated workspace and will receive plenty of individual attention. There will be opportunities for students to discuss their work with their fellow students and on a one-to-one basis with Paul.
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 - On day one students will look at how to construct a four-legged animal, with a hollow body, made in a crank clay. Paul will demonstrate how to make a horse using his sculpting method, and students will use this method to make any four-legged animal of their choice.
Students will design their planned sculpture and Paul will discuss each student’s project on a one-to-one basis. Paul will then provide support and guidance to each student throughout the making process.
Day 2 - On the second day of the workshop students will be making some smaller animal sculptures, using another simple making method.
As Paul’s glazing methods cannot be achieved within a weekend workshop, he will give a brief overview on glazing for students to follow, should they wish to, at a later date.
This is predominantly a clay modelling workshop, so Paul will talk about the possible different approaches to glazing and ceramic colours, and will give a Q&A session with some hands-on application of coloured slips on a couple of smaller pieces.
Students will make a number of sculptures over the course of the weekend, and will have the opportunity to experiment with decoration using slips and stains on some of the smaller pieces. The larger pieces will be fired undecorated, and all pieces will be ready for collection a few weeks later (there will be a small additional firing charge).
If students wish to return at a later date to glaze their pieces they can book in a separate glazing session (standard one-off session prices will be applied to glazing sessions). Please note that glazing sessions will be untutored.
Alternatively, students can take their bisque pieces away unglazed.
Paul will assist each student throughout the workshop and at the end of the day students will spend time discussing what they have achieved together, and Paul will devote time to any questions.
There will be no specific kiln firing during the workshop, however, students’ animal sculptures 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 read our Student Contract.
Please also note, we do not offer a glazing service.
Key information
-
DATE
Saturday 11th - Sunday 12th July 2026
-
DURATION
2 day workshop
-
CLASS SIZE
Maximum 10 students
-
LEVEL
All levels welcome including complete beginners
-
CLAY TYPE
Crank Stoneware
-
COST
£400 (flexible payment plans available)
GUEST POTTER BIOAbout Paul
Paul graduated with a degree in Fine Art Sculpture at Leicester in 1983. After doing a variety of different jobs, he set up his own ceramics studio in 1998 and has made a full time living from his art ever since.
Paul has employed a variety of techniques to make his clay sculptures - press -moulding, ‘free’ hand-building with rough ‘slabs’ of clay, and also hand-building using an external armature with a system of rods to support the clay until it can take its own weight.
Paul developed this ‘Sculpting Framework’ system and sells it as a complete kit for making sculpted animals.
Paul decorates his work with a combination of slips, oxides, body stains and underglazes.
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECTThe Schedule
-
This workshop will start at 10am and will finish at 5pm.
-
On the second day the session will start at 10am and will finish at 5pm.
-
A two course lunch is provided everyday. Please inform us of any special dietary requirements at the time of booking.
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 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.
-
· 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.
-
If you wish to return to the studio to glaze your pieces, please email us after the workshop to book this in. Glazing sessions are charged at the standard price of a studio session: £39.50
Please note that the glazing sessions are untutored.
-
Yes! 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