Giving a pot a lid gives it a whole new identity; the space within becomes secret and mysterious - or maybe it just keeps the wasps out of the sugar!
This two day workshop is aimed at potters with enough experience on the wheel to be confident in centring and producing fairly consistent finished pots. During the weekend we’ll be thinking first about which kind of lid matches which kind of pot. Is it intended as a feature, or to be a seamless enclosure to complete the form? Is function a primary consideration, or is the lid a purely aesthetic addition? Lids vary in shape and scale, from wide covers for casserole dishes to thimble-like caps on small bottles, with everything in between, but paying careful attention to accurate measuring and a snug fit is always the test of a good pairing.
As well as precise throwing and measuring, lids offer a good opportunity for throwing off the hump, where lots of small pieces are made from a single large lump of clay on the wheelhead. It’s a useful technique for throwing any small items, particularly test bowls for glaze experiments and the fiddly additions like spouts for teapots and jugs made with added spouts cut from small thrown sections, as well as most small lids. The simplest lids are made in one go; other forms are thrown upside-down with a knob thrown-on later or turned at the leatherhard stage.
The course fee includes light refreshments through the day but not lunch; either bring a packed lunch or, as the pottery is in the middle of town, it’s easy and quick to pop out. Please bring your own tools, towel and apron if you can. (They will all be available at the studio, it will just make Covid compliance more straightforward.) Pots can be taken away or left for firing and glazing on a return visit, for which additional fees apply.
It is quite probable if the weather is kind that we’ll be potting part in- and part outdoors; I have taken steps to ensure a safe and comfortable working environment. If the course has to be cancelled due to Covid, I will reschedule or refund without question.
Course fee: £160. Please contact me here for further details or to book a place .