If watching The Great Pottery Throw Down has ever left you wondering what you could create with a lump of clay and a little guidance, you might not have to travel very far to find out.
For anyone searching for a pottery course in Surrey or the surrounding area, Cranleigh Arts has a long-standing connection with pottery including a rather special link to the hit Channel 4 programme.
Before becoming a judge on The Great Pottery Throw Down, Rich Miller was once the resident potter here at Cranleigh Arts. Today, Rich is also one of our patrons, making pottery an important part of both our history and our creative programme.
Our next Autumn Pottery Classes begin on Tuesday 8 September and offer six weeks of relaxed, hands-on creativity.
Led by local potter Samantha Perkins, the course has been designed for both complete beginners and those with some previous experience who would like to develop their skills.
Across the six weeks, you’ll explore traditional hand-building techniques including:
- Pinching
- Coiling
- Slab-building
- Decorative techniques
- Pattern and surface texture
There is plenty of room to experiment and develop your own ideas, without the pressure of having to create a masterpiece on day one. Clay, tools and decorative materials are all included too, so all you really need to bring is an apron, suitable clothes and a willingness to get your hands a little messy.
Our classes take place in the friendly pottery studio here at Cranleigh Arts, with a relaxed and supportive atmosphere that makes them ideal if you have always wanted to try pottery but haven’t quite known where to start.
The course is structured to give beginners an introduction to the fundamentals while allowing those who have worked with clay before to experiment and build on their existing skills.
Perhaps you’ve always fancied trying pottery. Maybe you’ve done a taster session and want to take things further. Or perhaps The Great Pottery Throw Down has convinced you that there is a future potter hiding somewhere inside you.
Whatever your reason, you’ll have six weeks to explore what you can create.
And who knows? Rich Miller had to start somewhere too.
Our September course is just the beginning.
We’ll be adding further pottery courses to the Cranleigh Arts programme, giving more people the opportunity to discover clay, develop their skills and enjoy some dedicated creative time.
Pottery has been part of the story of Cranleigh Arts for many years. In fact, pottery was among the local creative groups involved when the organisation was originally established, and our connection with former resident potter Rich Miller continues today through his role as one of our patrons.
We’d love the next chapter of that story to include plenty more local potters.
Whether you’re an absolute beginner or someone looking to rediscover an old hobby, come and see what you can create.
Our next Autumn Pottery Course begins on Tuesday 8 September. Places are still available, so book your place and get ready to get creative with clay.