Throwing, building and kiln-firing techniques
Monday 9th - Friday 13th June 2025
SUMMARY
Jo Davies will teach a combination of wheel-throwing and kiln-firing techniques across this five-day course. Jo Davies specialises in wheel-throwing, often using techniques that use wheel-thrown components to build vessels to make them either large, asymmetrical or unusual in some way. She has also recently written the book, 'Electric Kilns for Ceramics', published by Crowood Press, which specialises in guiding makers through kilns and kiln-firings.
THE COURSE IN DETAIL
Through demonstrations, conversations and one-to-one help, Jo will guide students through building with wheel-thrown components to create their own work, either enabling them to build larger objects that go beyond the maximum quantity an individual can throw in one, or to build more creatively at either a large or small scale. Outcomes can either be functional or sculptural but will all be made using the wheel and using porcelain.
The throwing element of this course will also be interspersed with teaching that focuses on kilns, guiding you through kiln-packing for bisque, glaze firings and many of the fundamentals of this side of the ceramic process. The aim of this element of the course is to enable your independence in a studio-setting, giving you the skills and knowledge to be confident in running your firings, which could be at your own studio or in a communal setting. Individual questions and concerns about your kilns, or future kilns, can be raised with Jo informally throughout the course.
Course Breakdown
Day 1: The course will begin with an introduction, including a short discussion around the topics that will be covered throughout the week.
Jo will then lead a porcelain wheel-throwing warm-up exercise and give demonstrations on the wheel. Students will then spend time throwing and practising with porcelain.
The afternoon will begin with a group discussion around kiln-firing, then students will load a full kiln for a bisque firing (greenware provided by the studio) with Jo's guidance throughout.
Day 2: Jo will give wheel-throwing demonstrations and a full introduction to the student project - building vessels from components using porcelain. All students will be supported and encouraged by Jo throughout.
Day 3: Jo will give further demonstrations for the next part of the project.
A second kiln will be loaded by the group - glaze firing. Jo will lead a discussion of best-practice for glaze firings and practical application of this theory.
The group will then continue their studio projects once the kiln has been loaded.
Day 4: The group will continue with constructing their vessels - assembling components to create medium to large sized pots. Jo will give further demonstrations and support each student throughout.
Day 5: Students will finalise their vessels through trimming and other finishing touches. The group will then assess the results of the kiln firing, discuss and conclude.
FIRING
There will be no specific kiln firing during the week of students’ own thrown work, however, we will encourage students to keep, and finish, a few carefully selected pieces. These will be fired and be ready for collection a few weeks later.
Please note, there will be a small additional firing charge for final pieces. Details of our firing charges can be found in our Student Contract.
Please read our Student Contract here.
Please also note, we do not offer a glazing service.
About jo
Jo Davies is a Royal College of Art MA graduate and her practice includes hand-making fine porcelain design ranges, lighting and unique objects. Her individual approach to wheel-thrown ceramics, where high-fired porcelain often appears paradoxically to be fresh off the wheel, balances softness with rigidity, smoothness with weight and tactility.
Jo exhibits internationally and has worked with, amongst others, the National Portrait Gallery, Yorkshire Sculpture Park, the Hepworth Wakefield, Somerset House, Heals and the National Trust. Her work is held at the Contemporary Ceramics Centre in Bloomsbury, alongside other stockists, and the Cheongju International Craft Competition holds her work in their permanent collection. Her practice has been supported by the Crafts Council and Arts Council England. She splits her time between her workshop in East London and her home studio in Hereford.
THE SCHEDULE
DAY 1 - Arrive 9am Monday 9th June
Welcome Breakfast (from 9am - 10am). The session will start at 10am and will finish at 5pm. Students may continue to use the facilities until 7pm.
DAY 2 - Arrive 9:30am Tuesday 10th June
On the second day the session will start at 9:30am and will finish at 5pm. Students may continue to use the facilities until 7pm.
DAY 3 - Arrive 9:30am Wednesday 11th June
On the third day the session will start at 9:30am and will finish at 5pm. Students may continue to use the facilities until 7pm.
DAY 4 - Arrive 9:30am Thursday 12th June
On the fourth day the session will start at 9:30am and will finish at 5pm. Students may continue to use the facilities until 7pm.
DAY 5 - Arrive 9:30am Friday 13th June
On the final day the session will start at 9:30am and will finish at 4pm.
A two-course lunch is provided every day. Please inform us of any special dietary requirements at the time of booking.
PAYMENT
This cost for this five-day course is £1,000. This cost includes all necessary materials, tools, refreshments, a superb two-course lunch every day and a Welcome Breakfast on the first day.
You can pay in full or pay a deposit by clicking on the ‘Book Now’ button above. If you choose to pay a deposit we will contact you to arrange paying the remainder of your balance in instalments.
Before you book a course, please make sure you read our terms and conditions page here.
Please also read our Student Contract here.
TRAVEL & ACCOMMODATION
The Ceramic Studio is located on a beautiful orchard in Brenchley, and there are lots of lovely surrounding towns and villages offering numerous places to stay.
We are happy to arrange transits to and from your accommodation to the studio for the duration of your course. Please get in touch to arrange this. Please email the office team at info@theceramicstudio.co.uk. To see examples of local accommodation, click here.
Date: Monday 9th - Friday 13th June 2025
Duration: Five-day workshop
Venue: The Ceramic Studio (Brenchley)
Class Size: Maximum 10 students
Level: The workshop is aimed at students who have had some experience in using a wheel, and those who are keen to learn more about the technical side of using an electric kiln.
Clay type: Porcelain
Cost: £1,000 (pay in full or in instalments)
“I believe in Making as a vehicle for expression, for the articulation of thoughts that cannot be expressed through language.
From the smallest cup to a large, unique vessel, I make by hand all work that has my Maker’s Mark. Each piece is always an individual item: a reflection of the shape of my hands as well as my intentions as a ceramic designer.
”
