We are delighted to welcome Jo Davies to Clay Shed this spring for a weekend of throwing and turning with porcelain clay. 

If you’ve ever been tempted to try porcelain, but have been put off by its reputation for being temperamental, then this workshop is for you. 

Through a combination of demonstrations, practical sessions and 1-1 support, Jo will demystify the challenges often associated with using porcelain. Under Jo’s expert guidance you’ll be shown how to prepare, throw and trim with success. The session has been design to give participants the knowledge and skills to:

• Harness porcelains unique qualities

• Create a range of forms including cylinders, bowls and plates;

• Throw with trimming in mind;

• Use a variety of trimming techniques; and

• Finish pieces with precision

On day one Jo will cover wedging and preparing the clay, ensuring you are set up for success from the very beginning. Throughout the day you’ll be taught how to throw cylinders, bowls and plates with trimming in mind. This approach is vital when throwing with porcelain in order to create forms with intention. 

The whole of day two will focus on the often neglected skill of turning. You’ll be shown a variety of approaches to trimming your work, including chucks, batt mates and turning the work the right way up - as opposed to the usual practice of trimming the work upside down. This aspect of the session will go beyond simply putting in foot rings and shaping the wares; you’ll be shown how to turn to achieve translucency and capture lightness in the finished work. 

Jo Davies is a graduate of the Royal College of Art and specialises in wheel-thrown porcelain. She exhibits internationally and worked as a lead designer-maker on a number of limited edition collections, including Mulberry, Union Coffee as well as private clients.

Class sizes are limited to 7 participants, ensuring there is enough time for individual guidance and a productive group dynamic. Clay Shed values exploration, experimentation and reducing our impact on the environment. To accommodate these values, this workshop will not include firings. Participants are welcome to take home all works made over the duration of the workshop.

Course Price: £255

Max Students: 7

Level: Participants should be competent in centring clay and throwing a range of forms

Duration: 10.30am - 4.30pm each day

Includes: Materials (Audrey Blackman porcelain), tea and coffee (dairy free and herbal alternatives available), afternoon cake

Tutor: Jo Davies