Richard PhetheanThrowing: Improving, Altering and Assembling
20th - 24th July 2026 | 5 Day Workshop | £1,000
This course will provide a disciplined and creative environment where students can learn solid, practical skills and raise their own standards in both the quality and aesthetic integrity of their finished work. Richard will guide students individually in order to make better pots – improving all areas of throwing and altering and handling larger weights with greater accuracy and confidence.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOWThe Course in Detail
During this five-day workshop students will discover easy ways to expand their repertoire and range of pottery making on the potter’s wheel. This programme will suit students with a wide range of throwing abilities, from those with competent skills in basic throwing techniques, to those with more advanced and developed skills.
Students will learn to make round, oval and square forms, they will make taller pots by joining pieces in two or more sections, and students will come away with lots of ideas for making unique, semi-sculptural vases, curvaceous jugs, platters and dishes.
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 Richard.
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 - Every student on Richard’s course will benefit from a thorough review of their existing skills and will receive a personal plan to improve/expand their techniques and range. Richard will guide students individually in order to make better pots – improving all areas such as more even walls, better finished surfaces, taller cylinders, wider bowls and ultimately handling/centring larger weights with greater accuracy and confidence. The first day will involve throwing and practising so Richard can assess levels.
Day 2 - AM - Students will explore simple methods of altering some of the first day’s thrown forms by stretching and squeezing into ovals, squares and asymmetric shapes. Students will cut pieces at angles, applying to new bases.
PM - Students will examine techniques to throw better, taller cylinders and design forms to be created from two or more thrown sections. Students will continue to develop work for their personal plans with one-to-one tutorial assistance.
Day 3 - AM - Students will join sections of their previous day’s two-part forms and perhaps throwing further sections to add to these. Richard will lead a handle making workshop – a group session on pulling, extruding, and rolling handles, straps, lugs, and other decorative adornments, as well as methods for applying these.
PM - Students will throw wider and flatter forms – bowls, plates etc, and throw walls for making oval, square and asymmetric dishes. Students will continue with their own projects with one-to-one tutorial assistance.
Day 4 - AM - Students will make oval, square and asymmetric dishes with thrown or slab bases. Students will continue to develop/work on their personal projects with one-to-one tutorial assistance.
PM - Student will trim, turn and refine bowls and dishes. Richard will lead an introduction in the use of coloured slips and a give a brief talk on the his own personal approach and practice with the use of examples.
Day 5 - AM - Students will work towards the culmination of their week’s personal body of work. Richard will advise and assist as required and demonstrate on demand.
PM - Students will finish and make a display of their work and Richard will conduct a group review and discussion of the outcomes.
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 read our Student Contract . Please also note, we do not offer a glazing service.
Key information
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DATE
Monday 20th - Friday 24th July 2026
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DURATION
5 day workshop
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CLASS SIZE
Maximum 10 students
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LEVEL
some experience of throwing is necessary
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CLAY TYPE
Stoneware
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COST
£1,000 (flexible payment plans available)
GUEST POTTER BIOAbout Richard
Richard makes thrown, altered and assembled vessels with brushed slips and resist techniques. His current work combines references to ancient pottery, European slipware traditions and early twentieth century abstract painting. He is a long established professional potter who is exhibited widely in the UK and Europe. He is a Fellow of, and recently retired as Chair 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 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.
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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