Porcelain Masterclass:
Still White and Moving Blue
Porcelain & Gosu Slip decoration. Three-Day Intensive Masterclass
Hempmill Pottery & Cookery School, Friday 7th – Sunday 9th August 2026
£625
Friday - Welcome, Introduction & Throwing
Morning Session | 10:00 – 1:00
Talk: History of porcelain
Technical session: Understanding porcelain
Demonstration: Dishes & plates
Throwing: dishes
Afternoon Session | 1:45 – 4:30
Throwing: bowls
Larger porcelain forms
Optional extra | 4:30 – 6:00
Unguided finishing or practice
Saturday - Throwing & Turning
Morning Session | 10:00 – 1:00
Demonstration: Beakers & tall forms
Technical session: Extenders & additions
Turning/ throwing
Afternoon Session | 1:45 – 4:30
Demonstration: Throwing: Lids & galleries
Throwing. Student’s choice
Optional extra | 4:30 – 6:00
Unguided finishing or practice
Sunday – Turning & Finishing / throwing practice
Morning Session | 10:00 – 1:00
Talk: Brushes
Talk: History of cobalt
Demonstration: Cobalt gosu techniques
Decorating
Afternoon Session | 1:45 – 4:30
Decorating
Finishing work
Please note, the content of this workshop will vary according to the skill level and individual needs of the participants. The above schedule is an approximate guide.
Daily Schedule
9:45 – Arrival
10:00 – Workshop begins
11:30 – Morning break (coffee & biscuits)
1:00 – Lunch (no pudding, coffee only)
4:30 – Official finish (tea & delayed pudding)
4:30 – Optional unguided session (Friday & Saturday only)
6:00 – Departure (5:00 Sunday)
Course Requirements
To attend this course, you should be able to centre a 500g ball of clay confidently and throw a 6-inch cylinder quickly and with control; we specify this to ensure that participants can gain maximum benefit from this workshop.
Please bring your own pottery tools, overalls or an apron, and a throwing towel.
You are welcome to bring your own batts if you would like. We have pinned wheelheads.
Please wear sensible clothes and sturdy footwear suitable for a working pottery studio.
Course Content
This hands-on course is for potters who want to learn or refine porcelain throwing and decorating techniques. It features demonstrations, talks, group lessons, and individual guidance, with content adjusted for each student’s skill level.
Studio Set Up & Firing
Only six students per class; each student will have their own wheel and work area.
All materials are provided, including two bags of porcelain per person.
Notes and worksheets provided.
Taking Work Home
You are welcome to take any finished greenware home to fire yourself. If you plan to do this, please bring ware boards, packing boxes, plastic bags and wrapping materials.
If you would like us to bisque, glaze, and fire your work, this can be arranged at our standard firing rates.
Finished pots can be collected from Hempmill or sent by courier at market rate.
Catering & Access
A delicious two-course lunch is provided each day, along with plenty of tea, coffee, and homemade biscuits. Please let us know of any allergies or dietary requirements at the time of booking.
If you have any accessibility requirements, please inform us prior to booking so we can ensure a comfortable and inclusive experience.
Accommodation
Please email us for recommendations for local accommodation; there are some great local pubs with rooms and Air B&Bs, as well as chain hotels in nearby Stoke-on-Trent and Shrewsbury. Camping onsite may be booked by prior arrangement, subject to availability.
Social Media
We kindly ask participants to be mindful when posting on social media during pottery masterclasses. Please avoid sharing any content that could compromise the privacy of others including tutors, staff and fellow students. Please do not film or record demonstrations or lectures without permission; notes will be provided. If in doubt, please ask before posting.
By respecting these guidelines, you help maintain a safe and welcoming environment for everyone involved. See out Terms & Conditions for more details.