Discover the joy of Pottery with William over two days, set in the tranquil Lake District countryside, this residential experience combines hands-on learning with one-to-one tuition for the course group, which is a maximum of two people each weekend.
Learn to centre and throw clay on the potter’s wheel and explore techniques to craft your own unique pots-a wonderful way to hone your pottery skills or try a new creative craft.
With over 40 years’ experience, William, who studied at Chelsea College of Art then trained for two years in Japan, one of the years with Japanese master, Tatsuzo Shimaoka, a Japanese National Treasure. In 1994, he moved into his seventeenth century farmhouse nestling in the South Lakes and established a new workshop where he creates his pottery today, his work is sold all over the country in galleries.
As well as learning pottery, you can also explore and enjoy scenic walks in the surrounding landscape in the heart of the Winster & Lyth Valley, or simply unwind in the comfort of your studio apartment. Evenings can be spent enjoying food and hospitality at nearby pubs, or relaxing and cooking for yourselves in your own kitchen.
Optional extra nights are available, for those who wish to extend their stay.
Course Overview
Friday pm
- Arrival, meet & greet.
- Tour of the accommodation and workshop.
Saturday
- 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: Homemade lunch
- 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
Sunday
- 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: Homemade lunch
- 2.00pm–4.00pm: In the afternoon you can decorate your pots with coloured slips, painting and trailing.
- 4.00pm: Tea, coffee and cake
Please note: Pots cannot be taken home immediately as they require firing. Finished pieces will be ready for collection 4–6 weeks after your stay or can be posted at a charge of £20 per package.
The Studio Apartment
The apartment, which is separate to William’s family home and next door to the pottery workshop, has its own access, one twin room (which can be made into a double bed), a bathroom, open plan kitchen – sitting room. There is broadband, television, a small kitchen with cooker fridge, toaster and coffee maker.
Availability
- 6th – 8th February
- 20th – 22nd February
- 27th February – 1st March
If you would like to enquire about alternative dates please contact us:
E: mail@williamplumptre.co.uk
T: 01539 568750
M: 07765626393
Price
£450pp which includes:
- All materials
- Up to 2kg of stoneware clay (approx. six pots)
- Two-night stay in a private flat
- Breakfast provisions (cereals, bread, tea and coffee)
- Catered lunch on Saturday and Sunday
Terms & Booking
- Designed for two people sharing (ideal for friends or couples)
- Participants must be aged 16 or over
- £150 per person non-refundable deposit required at booking
- Remaining balance due three weeks before arrival (BACS transfer). If you cancel after this date refunds can only be given if the place is filled.
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.
- The course is suitable for over 16s only.
- Please consider that to centre and throw clay is a physical activity, if you are concerned about the activities then please get in touch.
Enquire
To enquire about the pottery weekends please contact William:
E: mail@williamplumptre.co.uk
T: 01539 568750
M: 07765626393