stuart carey

Designing and Making Tableware

27th - 29th September 2027 | 3 Day Workshop | £600

Stuart Carey’s three-day throwing workshop will focus on designing and making functional, well-considered tableware. Through demonstrations, discussion and supported making, Stuart will explore mugs, jugs, bowls and plates, sharing techniques developed over more than 20 years. Participants will consider proportion, weight, rims, handles and visual coherence, while developing a small body of work in smooth white stoneware. 

Book your place 
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

The Course in Detail

This three-day course explores the design and production of functional tableware, with an emphasis on thoughtful form, efficient making and precise execution. 

Stuart will begin by discussing the qualities that make a pot successful in both use and appearance. Through detailed demonstrations of mugs, jugs, bowls and plates, he will share techniques refined over more than 20 years of working with stoneware and porcelain. Particular attention will be given to throwing economically, controlling hidden weight, achieving delicate rims and considering the relationship between proportion, balance and function. 

The additional third day allows participants more time to develop, trim and refine their work. Stuart will demonstrate trimming, handle making and attachment, and will bring materials so that participants can make simple trimming tools suited to their own working methods. There will also be opportunities for further throwing, individual guidance and demonstrations responding to the interests of the group.

Participants will be encouraged to think beyond individual pots and consider how forms relate as a coherent tableware collection. By the end of the course, they should have a clearer understanding of how to develop work with a strong voice, clear concept and consistent visual language. 

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

USEFUL INFO

Course Breakdown

Day 1: Design, demonstration and throwing 

The course will begin with a discussion about the design of functional tableware, including proportion, balance, weight, capacity, rims and the relationship between form and use. 

Stuart will demonstrate a selection of tableware forms, including mugs, jugs, bowls and plates, while explaining his approach to efficient throwing, clay distribution and controlling hidden weight. Participants will then begin throwing their own pieces, with individual guidance throughout the day. 

Day 2: Trimming, tool making and further throwing 

Stuart will demonstrate different approaches to trimming, including how to refine the profile, foot and overall balance of a pot without removing unnecessary material. 

Participants will have the opportunity to make simple trimming tools using materials supplied by Stuart, considering how the shape and angle of a tool can be adapted to suit an individual way of working. 

The remainder of the day will include further throwing, trimming and additional demonstrations based on the progress and interests of the group. 

Day 3: Handles, refinement and developing a collection 

The final day will focus on handle making and attachment, including proportion, placement, visual balance and comfort in use. Participants will continue trimming and refining the work produced during the previous two days. 

Stuart will offer individual guidance on how pieces might be developed into a cohesive tableware collection and will respond, where possible, to requests for additional demonstrations. The day will conclude with a group review and discussion of the work produced. 

There will be no specific kiln firing during the workshop, however, students’ pieces will be fired and be ready for collection a few weeks later. Alternatively, students are welcome to take away their greenware (students must bring protective packaging when taking or collecting their pieces).

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.

Book your place

Key information

  • DATE

    Monday 27th - Wednesday 29th September

  • DURATION

    3 day workshop

  • CLASS SIZE

    Maximum 10 students

  • LEVEL

    LEVEL

    Suitable for those with experience in throwing

  • CLAY TYPE

    Stoneware

  • COST

    £600 (Flexible payment plans)

GUEST POTTER BIO

About Stuart

Originally from Newcastle Upon Tyne, Stuart lives and works in London. His creative journey began at fourteen when his art teacher, Glyn Thomas, introduced him to ceramics, sparking a deep interest in the material. This early passion led him through four years of ceramics in school, a BA at the Glasgow School of Art, and an MA at the Royal College of Art, where he studied under renowned artists like Martin Smith, Felicity Aylieff, Alison Britton and Emmanuel Cooper. This decade of intensive training uniquely positioned him for a swift entry into the art world.

WHO THIS COURSE IS FOR

Level

Intermediate 

Students should be able to centre clay and throw a basic cylinder independently. This course is also suitable for more experienced throwers who would like to refine their technique, improve the precision and efficiency of their making, or develop a more coherent approach to functional tableware.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT

The Schedule

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • On the third day the session will start at 9:30am 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.

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.

  • We do not offer a glazing service so cannot glaze your work for you. It may, however, be possible for you to return to the studio to glaze your work by booking a glazing session. Please speak to a member of staff to discuss this before booking. You are welcome to take greenware away with should you wish to. Alternatively you can take your bisque fired work away with you to glaze elsewhere.

  • We will usually bisque fire a small selection of pieces following a workshop. Each Guest Potter Workshop is different, however, so please refer to your individual Guest Potter Workshop page for the firing information for your course.

    The following firing charges will apply:

    £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

  • 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.

  • 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