Private & Specialist Sessions
Private & Specialist Sessions offer something different from our standard ceramics courses in London. Instead of focusing on traditional hand-building or throwing pathways, these sessions explore glazing, clay therapy, and experimental processes in a more open, experience-led format. It’s a chance to step outside the usual structure and engage with clay in a more expressive and materials-focused way.
Jo Davies – Porcelain Wheel Throwing Masterclass
Jo Davies, RCA-trained ceramic artist, leads this 2-day intensive (12 hours total) focused entirely on working with porcelain on the wheel. Designed for potters with existing wheel-throwing experience, the course explores the unique challenges and possibilities of porcelain, from core forms to more advanced shapes.
Through live demonstrations and guided making, Jo shares specialist techniques for handling this refined but demanding material. The course includes 4kg of porcelain, with additional clay available to purchase, and all glazing and firing costs are included.
Louisa Taylor – Glaze Technology Workshop
Louisa Taylor is a ceramic artist and experienced educator specialising in glaze chemistry and surface development. In this one-day intensive workshop, she guides participants through the fundamentals of glaze making, from understanding what a glaze is to building and testing your own recipes.
Her teaching covers key glaze types, firing temperatures, and surface effects, alongside the essential science behind flux, silica, and alumina. With a clear, hands-on approach, Louisa helps demystify glaze technology and supports participants in developing confidence and control over their ceramic surfaces.
Clay Therapy
1 hour and 30 min in total
A calming, hands-on experience with clay on the pottery wheel, focused on relaxation and process rather than results.
You’ll be guided through the basics of wheel throwing in a mindful, supportive environment. The aim is to slow down, enjoy the feel of the clay, and switch off from everyday stress.
This is not a “take-home” class—nothing is kept or fired, and all clay is recycled, making it fully sustainable.
1 Week Intensive Wheel Throwing Course
18 hours in total
Immerse yourself in pottery for a full week and rapidly develop your wheel-throwing skills. Ideal for beginners and improvers, this intensive course covers centring clay, throwing cylinders, trimming, carving and joining forms. With five consecutive days in the studio, you'll have time to build confidence and work on self-directed projects with tutor support. All tools and materials are provided, with glazing arranged once work has been bisque fired.
Porcelain Wheel Throwing Courses
12 hours in total
Jo Davies RCA porcelain masterclass 2 day course working only with porcelain clay. For potters with existing skills in making wheel-thrown ceramics but not expected that your skills are perfect. Gain insights into how to work with porcelain on the wheel and overcome some of its challenges. Jo will use wheel-throwing demonstrations of core, simple shapes as well as some more challenging shapes. Includes 4KG porcelain additional clay available to purchase. Firing & glazing is included. Materials, glazing and firing costs are included.
Glaze Technology Workshop
One day workshop with Louisa Taylor 10.30-5pm.
What is a glaze? How to make a glaze: weighing, mixing, creating a glaze profile/identity.
Types of glazes: shiny, matt, maiolica ware, special effect. Firing temperatures (earthenware/mid-temp/stoneware) and types of firing (oxidised and reduction). Basic structure of a glaze - role of flux, silica, and alumina.
Test tiles and glaze ingredients are provided. Tests will be ready to collect by the following week.
Lunch and refreshments are provided.
Frequently asked Questions
New to pottery? We've answered some of the most common questions about our classes, courses, materials, glazing, collections and bookings. If you can't find the information you're looking for, please get in touch and we'll be happy to help.
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Clay therapy is a form of creative or expressive therapy that uses clay as a hands-on material to support emotional expression, relaxation, and mental wellbeing. It can be used in clinical art therapy settings or informal wellbeing workshops.
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No. Pottery classes focus on technique, making functional or decorative objects which can be taken home. Clay therapy focuses on emotional expression, self-awareness, and wellbeing.
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Yes. Clay, tools, glazing and firing costs are included unless otherwise stated in the course description.
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Working with clay can reduce stress and anxiety by engaging the senses and encouraging focus on the present moment. It can also help people express feelings that are difficult to put into words.
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It can be helpful for children, adults, and older adults. It is often used with people experiencing stress, anxiety, trauma, developmental challenges, or emotional difficulties.
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Yes, gift vouchers are available and can be used towards pottery classes, courses and private sessions.
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Refunds are offered at the studio's discretion. In some cases, we may be able to transfer your booking, change the attendee name or offer a gift card instead.
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We require at least 48 hours notice for cancellations or rescheduling requests. Cancellations made less than 48 hours before the class may incur a cancellation fee. No-shows will be charged the full course fee.
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Pieces glazed and fired by the studio using our standard materials are suitable for functional use and dishwasher safe.
Decorative glazes are labelled as not food safe in the studio. As with all handmade ceramics, care should be taken to avoid damage or cracks.
Jo Davies’ Porcelain
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