Russell KingstonSlip Decorated Earthenware
19th - 23rd October 2026 | 5 Day Workshop | £1,000
During this five-day workshop Russell Kingston will teach a combination of throwing techniques using country pottery traditions, as well as giving a thorough introduction to slip decoration using earthenware clay.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOWThe Course in Detail
Russell Kingston’s course will be based around loose and fast throwing and making techniques to create functional pots for your kitchen and table, using terracotta clay and slips.
The workshop will focus on robust functional forms such as bowls, mugs, beakers, cooking pots, jugs and lidded jars. Working through handle and lug techniques as well as spouts, simple lids and galleries. Students will work in line with country pottery traditions to make fresh and lively pots that have roots in the past but feel of the here and now.
Students will be slip decorating earthenware in a free and playful way that celebrates clay and captures the energy of the decorating.
Russell will take students through making and using slips with a simple contrasting colour pallet so the focus will be on fluid mark making.
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).
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 Russell.
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 - Russell will start the course with an introduction to clay preparation. He will then give demonstrations and students will start by throwing simple forms.
Russell will guide students in throwing beakers, mugs, bowls and introduce the pulling of handles.
Day 2 - The second day will see a continuation of the work started on the first day, and see progression onto the making of both round and oval bakers as well as lugs.
Day 3 - On the third day students can choose to throw lidded jars and/or casserole dishes. The focus will be on vessels with lids and students will learn how to create successful galleries for lids to sit.
Day 4 - Russell will teach students to throw jugs, both straight and bellied. For those who want to throw larger pieces Russell will demonstrate how to throw in two pieces. All students will learn how to make and add spouts.
Day 5 - The final day will be spent decorating the pieces made throughout the week. Russell will demonstrate his loose slip decorating techniques with brushes and slip trailers.
Throughout the week Russell will encourage students to work quickly and leave pots unturned. The course is designed to be a playful introduction to making and decorating kitchen earthenware.
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 19th - Friday 23rd October 2026
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DURATION
5 day workshop
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CLASS SIZE
Maximum 10 students
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LEVEL
Some knowledge of ceramics would be helpful
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CLAY TYPE
Earthenware
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COST
£1,000 (flexible payment plans available)
Russell Kingston works in the Slipware tradition. His pots are made for the kitchen, oven and table with function at their heart to enhance the everyday cooking and eating experience.
Russell’s work, while being deeply rooted in North Devon's heritage and country pottery traditions, has a contemporary freshness to it. His pots are thrown, slabbed and extruded. Russell uses very minimal tools or ribs, in order to preserve the human touch and champion the making processes. His work is made quickly with confidence, capturing the energy of the making. The same approach is taken with his use of Slip. This is all in keeping with the country pottery traditions. He does this with aesthetic in mind resulting in exciting pots full of life.
About Russell
GUEST POTTER BIO
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