Discover the art of wheel throwing with Lewis Hayes, in this 4-week introductory course that balances technical precision with physical, bodily awareness.
This morning course is designed specifically for absolute beginners and approaches ceramics as a rhythmic, somatic craft.
With a limit of just 4 places, the course is highly individualised. You'll have dedicated access to your own wheel and plenty of direct, one-on-one guidance from Lewis as you navigate each stage of the process.
What to expect
Over four weeks, you'll move through the entire lifecycle of throwing on the wheel, from raw clay preparation to the final glaze firing.
Rather than just following rigid steps, you'll explore how your posture, hand positioning, and focus directly affect the clay. The sessions combine clear, technical demonstrations with space to experiment, allowing you to learn from the material and make independent choices about the objects you create.
Week-by-Week Overview
Week 1: Clay Prep, Rhythm & Centring
You’ll be introduced to the studio, materials, and key processes, alongside essential health and safety guidance. From there, you’ll begin learning how to prepare clay through wedging and be introduced to the fundamentals of wheel throwing, including centring and pulling up your first cylinder.
Week 2: Foundations of Form
You’ll continue developing your throwing technique, focusing on control and consistency. You’ll begin creating simple forms such as cylinders and bowls, while learning how to use core tools on the wheel.
Week 3: Expanding Shapes & Techniques
Alongside throwing, you’ll be introduced to trimming, refining your pieces once leather-hard, and begin incorporating decorative techniques such as carving, slip trailing, and inlay.
Week 4: Glazing & Finishing
In the final sessions, you’ll be introduced to glazing, including understanding how it works and how to apply it to your pieces. You’ll select finishes that complement your work, completing the transformation from raw clay to finished ceramic.
What You’ll Gain
By the end of the course, you will have:
- A solid understanding of basic wheel throwing mechanics
- Growing confidence in wedging, centering, pulling, and turning clay
- Experience making simple, functional, cylinder-based forms (cups, beakers, small pots)
- Practical knowledge of basic glazing techniques and finishing applications
- An understanding of the full lifecycle of wheel throwing practice and the sensory qualities of an object
- A small collection of your own handmade, glazed ceramic vessels
Course Dates:
Week 1: Thursday 29 October 2026
Week 2: Thursday 5 November 2026
Week 3: Thursday 12 November 2026
Week 4: Thursday 19 November 2026
Please note: missed sessions cannot be rescheduled.
Class Times:
Thursday Mornings
10:00-12:30 (2.5 hours per session)
Please note: the final 30 minutes are dedicated to cleaning and organising work.
Please arrive no earlier than 5 minutes before the session begins, as there is no waiting area and the studio will be in preparation.
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 contemporary community pottery studio tucked away inside a beautifully converted former cobbler’s shop on Crutched Friars, less than a minute from Fenchurch Street Station and a short walk from Tower Gateway.
Part of the arts organisation and registered charity SET, the space functions as both a working hub for members and an artist-led learning environment for the public. Alongside affordable studio memberships, we offer public courses, workshops, and kiln hire led entirely by practising ceramic artists.
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. Course discounts apply for SET Studio Members and residents of the City of London.
Instagram account: @setceramicset