Wysing Arts Centre is a charity dedicated to providing unique environments and structures for artistic research, experimentation, discovery, and production. Based in Bourn, Cambridge, our rural centre is home to a variety of creative spaces - including our Ceramics Studio, founded in 2014 by Grantchester Pottery.
Primarily used by studio and residency artists, we have gradually opened the studio to the public through our membership scheme and are now introducing classes.
Following on from the success of our previous course, we are excited to offer our second 8-week ceramics course, taught by local ceramicist Jeremy Peake, which is designed for both beginners and more experienced potters.
Over the span of 8 weeks students will explore essential pottery techniques, including hand-building and throwing. The focus will be on advancing these skills in a flexible, creative manner, allowing students to experiment and develop their own ideas. With a maximum of 6 students per class, there will be plenty of opportunity for personalised instruction in a relaxed, informal, and inclusive environment. Towards the end of the course, you will glaze your creations, which will be fired and available for pickup shortly after.
If you discover a passion for ceramics by the end of the course, we would be delighted to discuss our studio membership options with you.
Wysing Arts Centre is an inclusive, collaborative, and welcoming space. Please contact us with any questions or for access information.
Your tutor:
Jeremy Peake has been teaching art and ceramics to adults for 35 years, having earned his degree in Ceramics in the 1980s. With extensive teaching experience at various colleges, he also previously ran a small production pottery in Northamptonshire. Today, he splits his time between teaching and creating his own ceramic pieces in a studio near Ely, where he specialises in gas-fired stoneware. Jeremy is also a regular participant in Cambridge Open Studios, showcasing his work to a wider audience.
What the course will cover:
Learn hand building techniques - including coiling and pinching, create slab-built forms.
Discover decorative techniques – practice mark making and creating surface textures, explore the use of slips, and glazing.
An introduction to throwing – understand the basics of throwing, and how to trim and shape a pot when leather hard.
The studio is well equipped with the essential tools and equipment you'll require, once booked we will send you details of anything additional that you might like to bring along! Clay and materials are included in your ticket price, with a firing allowance of up to 3kg.
The course will run on Wednesday evenings from 18:00 to 20:30, starting on Wednesday 4th June, with the last session on Wednesday 23rd July. Please ensure you can attend the majority of the sessions before signing up.