Group Wheel Throwing Experience

A two-hour introduction to throwing on the potter's wheel for up to five people.


John Slade
John Slade
5.0 (1)

2 hours Class size 1 to 5 guests       £350 (PayPal Pay in 3 available)

The throwing studio

The Throwing Studio

Our throwing studio can accommodate up to five people throwing at the same time.


Learning throwing techniques for a bowl and cylinder form.

Learning Throwing Techniques for a Bowl and Cylinder Form

Learn to centre the clay and make a bowl and cylinder form.


Have fun and make something useful.

Have Fun and Make Something Useful

Making mud into something something beautiful and useful.


Join this two-hour pottery throwing session and get hands-on with the fundamentals of working on the wheel. This class is a fantastic introduction for beginners, guiding you patiently through the most important first step: learning how to centre the clay.
Once you feel comfortable, your instructor will show you how to shape the clay into the two basic pottery forms – a classic bowl and a cylinder. If there is enough time at the end of the session, you can even learn how to add handles to your cylinder, transforming it into a unique, hand-crafted mug.
After your class, your wonderful creations need to go through a few more steps. They will be left to dry thoroughly before being bisque fired. Afterwards, they will be glazed for you and fired a second time.
In about 3-4 weeks, your finished pieces will be ready for collection. You'll head home with a fantastic new skill and the rewarding experience of having turned a simple lump of clay into your very own functional ceramics.
What you'll get
Dirty! Guests will also receive a glazed bowl and cylinder/mug, but it will take 3-4 weeks to get the finished articles.
Knowledge required
No prior knowledge or skills are required. All are welcome.
What to bring
If possible, a towel and apron although these can be provided if guests forget theirs or do not have any.

FAQ

Can I throw if I have long nails?
it is very difficult to throw if you have long nails and it is recommended that you cut them reasonably short before attending.
Should I removed jewellery?
Yes. Rings, bracelets, watches can all get damaged while throwing and should be removed. Rings can be taped up if they cannot be removed.
What else do i need to know?
- Clay contains grit, called grog, which can be quite coarse. It is possible that you may have a small sore patch on your little fingers by the end of the session. - Long hair should be tied back so it does not become entangled in the spinning clay. - It is useful for me to be able to position your hands sometimes and I will ask for permission at the start of the class. If you are uncomfortable with that please do let me know.
Location

The Hive Dunham Massey, Red House Lane, Dunham Massey, Altrincham

Group Wheel Throwing Experience location
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Your teacher

John Slade
John Slade

5.0 (1)

I don’t think I have ever really grown up, so pottery and ceramics give me a good excuse to play with mud pies. I’m never happier than when I have a huge lump of mud that I am going to transform into something special. The forming of something useful or beautiful [or both] from such as simple material is a magical act and something that never ceases to amaze me.
I’ve also realised that I thoroughly enjoy encouraging other people to appreciate the mucky qualities of mud pie making too. So, I teach others how to change lumps of dirt into their own kind of special. I get a tremendous amount of satisfaction from sending people home caked in clay and with broad grins across their faces.
I have been teaching for 25 years with more than 20 of those years teaching Art and Ceramics. I have a degree in 3D Design from MMU and a PGCE from Huddersfield University. I have taught people from 5 years old to 95 years old. I have worked in mainstream education, SEND, FE, HE, Artist in Residence and as a freelance educator.
I can offer: children’s and other parties, hand building sessions, wheel throwing tuition for individuals or small groups, beginners and improvers sessions.
Pottery is therapeutic, fun, frustrating, energising, mesmerising, dirty, and I love it for all those reasons. Come and join me for my pottery sessions and enjoy the opportunity to be a kid again. Get dirt under your nails, up your arms and over the floor and love every moment of it. I would love to see you.

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2026-07-03 15:00:00
class 1E57MXLBSX b30fa37a8c654059964d2a78c24cea95 production manchester Manchester North West GB manchester