For the past few years, I’ve been running small, hands-on summer sculpture courses in my working studio. Classes are intentionally intimate, with just four people at a time, creating a relaxed and supportive environment where everyone can learn at their own pace.

Students come with a wonderful mix of experience — from complete beginners to more advanced makers — and that variety is part of what makes each course so rewarding. There is always something to learn from watching how others approach their work.

We begin with a simple owl sculpture, starting from a rolled “pancake” of grogged paper clay. This introduction helps everyone become familiar with the material while learning key hand-building techniques: shaping hollow forms, pushing from the inside, pressing from the outside, and gradually building character and detail. Every owl turns out completely unique, with plenty of reference images for inspiration.

Once confident with the clay, students are free to create their own sculptures using drawings or photographs of animals, abstract forms, or figures. My approach is all about momentum and discovery — I encourage everyone to make several pieces, learning something new with each one. Often the next sculpture is stronger, more confident, and requires less guidance than the last.

All sculptures can be fired, and we use a variety of supports such as newspaper, polystyrene, and clay props during the making process.

4-Day Mould Making Course

I also offer a specialist four-day mould making course:
2 days sculpture
2 days mould making, wax pouring, and finishing
By learning to create your own mould and wax, you can significantly reduce foundry costs when casting in bronze, while gaining valuable insight into the casting process from start to finish.

What’s Included

• Small group tuition (maximum 4 people)
• Friendly, creative studio atmosphere
• Lunch provided each day
• Materials charged at cost
• Finished clay pieces can be fired here or taken to a local school/pottery near you

There are also excellent B&Bs in the village for those travelling from further afield.

Come and enjoy the joy of making in a welcoming studio space.