Join ceramicist Lewis Hayes in this 8-week Introduction to Wheel Throwing course at SET Ceramics.
There are 4 spaces available for this course, this is to ensure there is sufficient space to work in the studio and that students get the out the most from both the course and the tutor.
Course Overview:
Lesson 1: Introduce the students to the studio, ceramics materials and processes. Go through relevant health and safety protocols. Students will learn how to prepare and wedge clay, and then start by learning the steps to create cylinders on the wheel, including, clay centring and basic wall-pulling techniques. Note: nothing will be kept in this first session, so students can get a feel for the clay without feeling too precious about their work.
Lesson 2-6: Students will continue to learn the basic steps to create work on the wheel. Lessons will work in pairs. In the first lesson, they throw the pieces, learning new shapes each time, such as bowls, plates, and vases. Whilst also learning the relevant tools needed to do so. The following week they learn to trim these thrown pieces and again the relevant tools and techniques to do so. This is where they’ll also learn a range of decoration techniques, slip trailing, carving and inlay. As well as, learning to attach handles and other things to their pieces.
Lesson 7-8: These are glazing lessons. Students will learn what glaze is and the process of glazing their work.
Course Dates:
Week 1: Wednesday 11 March 2026
Week 2: Wednesday 18 March 2026
Week 3: Wednesday 25 March 2026
Week 4: Wednesday 1 April 2026
Week 5: Wednesday 8 April 2026
Week 6: Wednesday 15 April 2026
Week 7: Wednesday 22 April 2026
Week 8: Wednesday 29 April 2026
Please not classes missed cannot be made up at a later date.
Class Times:
Classes will start at 20:00 lasting 2.5 hours and finish at 22:30.
The last 30 minutes of the class are for cleaning up and organising work in progress.
Please do not arrive any earlier than 5 minutes prior to the class starting as there is no waiting area and the tutor will be busy setting up the studio for the class ahead.
Tutor Statement:
Ceramics and pottery are more than just an art form to me; they are a vital part of my life. Growing up in Stoke-on-Trent, a city renowned for its pottery, and being born to a potter and a pottery teacher, I have been immersed in ceramics since childhood, and have been throwing pots since the age of 10. This background fostered a profound appreciation for the craft and deepened my understanding.
I started teaching at 25, initially in my home studio, offering lessons to friends and family while also supporting my mother during her workshops. Eventually, following my move to London, I became part of the Clay Garden, first as a member and later as a technician, where I discovered opportunities to teach regularly. My practical experience has enabled me to teach at several studios: The Clay Garden (both in Twickenham and Hammersmith), Sheen Pottery, House Pottery, Croft Pottery in Thirsk, and now at SET.
I engage in pottery daily through teaching, producing hundreds of mugs, bowls and other pieces as a production potter, and working as a technician. Even in my free time, I participate in pottery projects, which allow me to refine my techniques and creativity.
To see Lewis' work head to his instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lewishayesceramics/
About SET Ceramics:
SET Ceramics is a new community ceramics studio in a former Key Cutters and Cobblers, and part of the contemporary arts organisation and registered charity, SET. It is located on Crutched Friars, less than a minute from Fenchurch Street Station and round the corner from Tower Gateway.
Alongside our memberships, we offer artist-led courses, private classes, team workshops, and kiln hire. With four pottery wheels, a 220-litre kiln, hand-building stations, glazing and finishing facilities, and dedicated studio spaces, SET Ceramics is set up for people who want to spend real time making and building skills.
Instagram account: @setceramicset