Beginners Pottery Wheel Course in West Sussex | Henfield Pottery

Ever watched a pot magically appear on a spinning wheel? Now it's your turn.

This six-week course is designed for complete beginners and will take you through every stage of learning to throw. Working in a small group of just three students, you'll receive plenty of individual guidance as you develop one of pottery's most rewarding skills.

By the end of the course you'll understand the fundamentals of wheel throwing and have created your own collection of functional ceramics to take home.

Kayleigh Peters throwing on the pottery wheel at Henfield Pottery studio

Text reading "Beginners Throwing Courses" in large terracotta font.

6 WEEK COURSE

Two hands holding a large terracotta, vase-shaped object, part of Henfield Pottery branding

Decorative text saying "Learn to throw on the potter's wheel" in green cursive font.

Text graphic that says 'INSIDE THE COURSE' in large, green capital letters.

Line drawing of a cylindrical object on a pottery wheel

A lump of clay on a pottery wheel, line drawing

CENTRE CLAY

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CUPS & BOWLS

CYLINDERS

Simple line drawing of a clay bowl with a turning tool

Build confidence at the wheel.

Line drawing of a ceramic pot being glazed

SURFACE DESIGN

TRIMMING

GLAZING

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Explore texture and decoration.

Bring your pottery to life.

Refine every piece with precision.

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Understanding the pottery wheel

Develop control and consistency.

Preparing and wedging clay

Centring clay

Pulling cylinders

Underglazes and Glazing

Preparing pieces for firing

Making bowls, cups and bowls

Trimming and finishing

Decorating with slips and texture

Every session includes demonstrations, plenty of hands-on making time, and individual support from your tutor.

A student throwing on the pottery wheel, at the Henfield Pottery Studio

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Text reading 'WHAT IS INCLUDED' in large terracotta font

✔ Six weekly sessions (2.5 hours each)

✔ Small group teaching (maximum 3 people)

✔ All clay, tools and equipment

✔ Glazes and firing

✔ Tea, coffee and biscuits

✔ Your finished pieces to collect once they've been fired

A simple illustration of a plant with leaves and flowers in a brownish-red color.

Perfect if you:

✔ Have never used a pottery wheel before

✔ Want to learn a completely new skill

✔ Enjoy practical, hands-on learning

✔ Love handmade ceramics

✔ Are happy to embrace a challenge (throwing takes practice!)

Text that reads, 'IMPORTANT INFORMATION' in large, bold, terracotta letters.

Please wear comfortable clothing that you don't mind getting a little dusty.
Closed-toe shoes are recommended.
Long hair tied back.
Fingernails are best kept fairly short when working with clay.
Your work will need time to dry and be fired after the course. We'll let you know as soon as it's ready to collect.
Pottery is wonderfully unpredictable! While we take every care throughout the firing process, occasionally pieces can crack or break, and unfortunately this is part of working with ceramics.