Ceramics Course: Hand Thrown Pots

Learn how to throw, hand build and decorate your own pot, based on traditional willow pattern designs, in our weekend ceramics course.

Professional ceramicist Mary Johnson will guide you through the process of measuring, cutting, hand building, throwing on potters’ wheels, and decorating your own bespoke piece. You will also have opportunity to explore the Museum of Making’s own ceramic collections in the historic setting of the silk mill.

Once complete, your pot will be dried, glazed and fired by our Workshop Technicians in the Museum of Making kiln, ready for you to collect in a few weeks’ time.

Venue: Museum of Making at Derby Silk Mill
Time: weekend course, 10am to 3.30pm on Saturday and Sunday
Cost: £150 per person
Booking essential: book here

Who is this course for?

This course is suitable for complete beginners, as well as those with some ceramics experience who want to refresh their skills. Participants must be aged 18 years and over.

Do I need to bring anything?

All materials, tools, equipment and aprons will be provided. However, we encourage you to bring any photos or drawings you would like to use as inspiration.

Please wear comfortable clothes that you don’t mind getting a bit dirty and closed-toe shoes.

Lunch is available to purchase from the River Kitchen at the Museum of Making or various eateries and shops in the city centre.

Working safely?

If you have any concerns or specific requirements regarding attending this course please feel free to get in touch with us by emailing Royah@derbymuseums.org

Course booking terms and conditions:

Please note that if you choose to cancel your place your ticket price will be refunded minus the Eventbrite service fee (6.5% of ticket price + £0.49). Your total refund is dependent on the number of days’ notice given:

• 7 or more days before the event – full refund (minus the Eventbrite fee).
• 6 – 3 days before the event – refund of 50% (minus the Eventbrite fee).
• Within 2 days of the event – you will not be refunded.

Please note, if you can no longer attend the course but know someone who can go in your place, you must still cancel your place in accordance with our terms and conditions. Your replacement must then book their own place via Eventbrite once it becomes available.

In the event that Derby Museums needs to cancel a workshop, your ticket will be refunded in full.

You will receive a full refund up to and on the day if you have received a positive Covid-19 test result, or are told to self-isolate.