A 5-week course suitable for all levels (14 years +)

Discover the joy of working with clay in this five-week sculptural ceramics course, designed for all skill levels. Whether you're new to clay or returning to it, this open-studio-style course invites you to explore a balance of structured guidance and personal expression. You’re welcome to follow the curriculum or shape your own creative path as we journey through the material together.

What You'll Explore

• Handbuilding Techniques – Discover the expressive possibilities of pinching, coiling, and slab-building

• Wheel Throwing – Try your hand at the wheel and explore form in motion

• Surface Decoration – Experiment with carving, coloured slips, texture, and turning to enrich your work

• Glazing & Finishing – Learn how to bring your creations to life with thoughtful finishing touches

Course Flow

Week 1: Meeting Clay
Get to know the studio, tools, and clay itself. Learn the fundamentals of wedging, pinching, and coiling—and take a playful first spin on the wheel.

Week 2: Building on Foundations
Continue exploring handbuilding through slab construction and refining your coiling/pinching skills. Dive deeper into wheel practice if it speaks to you.

Week 3: Expanding Your Forms
Push your ideas further through both handbuilt and thrown forms. Begin shaping pieces with more intention, inspiration or allow the clay to guide the way.

Week 4: Surfaces & Stories
Experiment with surface decoration—carving, slips, handles, texture, and trimming. Consider how your forms tell their stories through surface and detail.

Week 5: Bringing It Together
Glaze your work and reflect on your journey. We’ll also have space to discuss your creative practice and ideas for moving forward beyond the course.

What You’ll Take Away

• Up to 5 finished pieces (max 15cm x 15cm) – with the option to fire more at £10 per item

• Fired, glazed, and collected within two weeks after the course

• A deeper understanding of clay—not just how to shape it, but how to let it shape your creative thinking

• Support and guidance in a relaxed, welcoming space

Perfect For

Anyone curious about working with clay—whether you’re exploring ceramics for the first time, revisiting an old passion, or seeking a hands-on, expressive creative outlet.

Ready to get your hands dirty and create something amazing? Sign up today!

Ewelina Bartkowska is a ceramic artist, educator, and technician based at Rochester Square. With over a decade of experience teaching ceramics—including at Central Saint Martins and with the Crafts Council—she brings a deep commitment to material exploration, creative learning, and inclusive practice.

Her work blends sculpture, sustainability, and social engagement, exploring the transformative potential of clay as both a raw material and a means of connection. Grounded in handbuilding and wheel-throwing, Ewelina's approach embraces reclaimed clay, slow processes, and the beauty of imperfection.

As a teacher, she fosters curiosity, confidence, and creative autonomy in students of all levels—supporting both beginners and experienced makers in developing their voice through clay. Whether in the studio or the wider community, her practice is rooted in dialogue, care, and the shared joy of making. She also offers sessions to discuss clay design projects, and provides glazing advice.www.ewelina.uk @clay_diwa

Clay and firings included. Basic tools provided, toolsets are also available for purchase HERE and be collected during the class. Minimum 10 people. If we cannot reach this number the class may need to be cancelled, you will be notified in advance and receive a full refund.

CANCELLATION POLICY: Unfortunately, we cannot refund classes with less than two weeks' notice. Please note that a £10 administration fee will be charged for each cancellation.