A Beginner’s Guide to Wheel Throwing- Half Day Classes & Two Day Non-Residential
Discover the joy of pottery in the peaceful surroundings of the Lake District with William Plumptre. This non-residential one- or two-day course offers a relaxed, hands-on introduction to wheel throwing, with personalised one-to-one tuition, making it ideal for one or two participants.
You will learn the fundamentals of working on the potter’s wheel, including how to centre clay and throw basic forms. As the session progresses, you’ll explore techniques for creating cylinders and bowls, gaining confidence as you craft your own unique pieces. This course is perfect for complete beginners or anyone keen to try a new creative skill.
William brings over 40 years of experience to his teaching. He studied at Chelsea College of Art before training in Japan for two years, including one year with Japanese National Treasure Tatsuzo Shimaoka. In 1994, William established his workshop in a 17th-century farmhouse in the South Lakes, where he still lives with his family and continues to create pottery sold in galleries across the UK.
Half Day Classes
9.30am – 12.30pm
• One-to-one tuition
• Learning to centre clay and throw cylinders
• Coffee break at 11am
• Introduction to throwing bowls
Cost: £135 per person (non-refundable deposit of £35 pp )
William is flexible with dates and will do his best to accommodate your request. Please contact us with your preferred date and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Enquire: mail@williamplumptre.co.uk
Two day non-residential experience
Day 1
- 9.30am–12.30pm: One-to-one tuition, including how to centre clay and throw cylinders with a coffee break at 11am and moving to throwing bowls before lunch.
- 12.30pm–2.00pm: Lunch served
- 2.00pm–4.00pm: Supervised creative time using up to 2kg of clay to make pieces of your choice and practice your throwing.
- 4.00pm: Tea, coffee and cake
Day 2
- 9.30am – 12.30: You will be shown how to turn and trim your pots, the pots will have dried sufficiently overnight, as well as learning to pull and attach a handle.
- 12.30pm–2.00pm: Lunch served
- 2.00pm–4.00pm: In the afternoon you can decorate your pots with coloured slips, painting and trailing.
- 4.00pm: Tea, coffee and cake
Cost: £330 per person (non-refundable deposit of £100 pp)
William is flexible with dates and will do his best to accommodate your request. Please contact us with your preferred date and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Enquire: mail@williamplumptre.co.uk
Terms & Booking
- Participants must be aged 16 or over
- A non-refundable deposit required at booking
Useful information
- Please inform us of any allergies or dietary requirements in advance.
- The main house has resident cats and dogs.
- There is no public transport in the immediate area — access by car is essential..
- Please consider that to centre and throw clay is a physical activity, if you are concerned about the activities then please get in touch.