Explore the earthenware techniques used everyday by the factory workers, and make a pair of cups or beakers to use at home
Following the success of the first Earthenware Beakers Short Course, this Autumn we will be running six two-hour sessions, starting Thursday 7 November to Thursday 12 December.
It is suitable for both new and returning participants to introduce key skills from scratch or develop and broaden skills.
The Museum of Royal Worcester is known for its spectacular collection of porcelain and bone china but many of the workers making these fine objects would have used earthenware vessels at home.
The first week will start in the Museum Displays, and then explore hand-building and decorating techniques using earthenware clays that have been practiced in these islands since the Neolithic.
The course focuses on hand-building rather than throwing, encompassing pinch pots, coil building and slab-building, and will introduce a variety of ideas for surface decoration and treatment, including use of slips and simple glazes.
Over 6 weeks you will gain skills and be supported to experiment and discover forming and decorating techniques in this tactile, local and everyday clay material.
Week 1: An introduction to ceramics, starting with a presentation and a quick visit to the Museum gallery, plus a detailed, hands-on introduction to pinch pot making.
Week 2: A detailed hands-on introduction to the two other key hand-building techniques; coil and and slab building, followed by working on designs and plans for your own pots
Week 3: An introduction to decorative techniques – including use of slips, plus time for working towards finished pieces
Week 4: Working towards finished pieces
Week 5: Finishing touches and introduction to simple glazes. Preparation for biscuit firing
Week 6: Glazing biscuit fired work
This is a course that will connect directly to both the Museum display and the suitability of different clays across these islands for different uses and outcomes.
Course leader Rupert Brakspear has more than thirty years of ceramic practice and a background in archaeology, education and sustainable development.
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Address
Severn Street, Worcester, Worcestershire, WR1 2ND
01905 21247
Opening times
From November to March, we are open:
Wednesday to Saturday, 10am-5pm
Sunday 10am-4pm
April to October, we are open:
Tuesday– Saturday, 10am – 5pm, Sunday 10am - 4pm
Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and Easter Sunday.
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You can book ahead but it is also fine to arrive on the day.
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