Our Pottery and clay work courses are very popular and there is a high demand for the wheels and the kilns.
We limit enrolments for long-term courses to one per learner. This gives access to these resources to as many Surrey residents as possible. This does not apply to our workshops.
If you do enrol for more than one course, we will contact you to ask you which enrolment you prefer to keep.
About this subject
Explore the exciting medium of clay. Starting with the basic pottery techniques of pinching, coiling and slabbing, moving on to throwing, turning and glazing. Our well-equipped pottery studios provide an inspiring creative area.
In our sculpture classes, you will learn the necessary skills and techniques. These include clay modelling, making armatures, and working with proportion. You will progress from sketching your ideas to creating unique finished sculpted pieces.
Our courses run over a period of weeks in Autumn, Spring and Summer. Enrolments open eight to ten weeks prior to the term starting. We also offer more specific one-day workshops throughout the year.
Enrolments open every term in March, July and November. If courses have already started you may still be able to join so please contact us.
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Course levels
- Stage 1 This stage is for learners who are new to their chosen subject are. With the focus on introducing individuals to basic materials, tools, and techniques, and to inspire confidence in creative expression.
- Stage 2: Suitable for learners who have completed Stage 1 and would like to gain more experience and refine their skills within their chosen subject area. The focus will be on developing more control and proficiency in practice and learning and completing more complex projects.
- Stage 3: Suitable for learners on completion of Stage 2, who would like to progress and gain a solid understanding of their subject. The focus will be on mastering more intricate techniques and creating more complex finished projects.
- Stage 4: This stage is for experienced learners looking to perfect their craft and develop a unique style. The focus is on mastering advanced techniques, creating polished and finished projects, and exploring personal expression.
Pottery
Learn the key pottery techniques. These include pinching, coiling, slabbing, and throwing. They range from beginner to advanced levels. Learn to glaze and decorate your work and gain confidence to express your creativity.
Sculpture
Combine art and practical skills to transform your ideas into 3D reality. Learn how to make armatures and model in clay, or have the opportunity to carve in wood or stone. Your inspiration may be examples from the world of art and sculpture, as well as your own interpretations. We offer classes with a life model, where the model is unclothed.
Saturday and one day workshops
We offer a variety of workshops throughout the year enabling you to try your hand at a new topic or brush up on your skills with specific workshops.
Saturday and one day workshops
Discounts and support with fees
We have many discounts and fee support options. These include money off your first course if you are a library member, Surrey Heritage user, or over 66.
We include a small charge in the fees. It covers the cost of materials used by tutors for demonstrations. The fee does not include the cost of materials and equipment used by learners, unless stated otherwise. If you have any questions, please ask when enrolling. We advise you not to buy extra materials for a course until your enrolment is confirmed.