Classes at Chestergate Pottery

I will be holding beginners and improvers classes at my studio in Macclesfield. I’ve taught many budding potters over the last 8 years, and still find it to be one of the most exciting parts of my career as a maker. If you’re new to clay and would like to get the basics right, or if you’ve done a few classes and would like to figure out a few sticking points, I’m your girl.

My cosy studio accommodates just three students at the wheel, keeping classes small and relaxed with plenty of individual guidance.

All the courses run for 5 consecutive weeks. If you are interested in a one-to-one session, or would like to be added to a waitlist, please reach out - rachel@rbpots.com.

Classes

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Level 1 Throwing

Tuesdays 2:30 - 5pm OR 6:30 - 9pm

Course dates listed below.

If you’re brand new to clay or if you’ve had a handful of classes, this one’s for you. Over the course of 5 weeks, you’ll learn to throw pots at the wheel and see your pots through all the processes to final product. We won’t take any shortcuts but I’ll be here to help. Class sizes are capped at 3 in order to provide as much tailored learning as possible.

Who this is for:

  • Complete beginners who have never thrown a pot on the potter’s wheel

  • Anyone who's taken a few classes but doesn't yet feel confident throwing independently

Class duration: 5 x 2.5hr sessions

Course learning objectives:

  • Preparing clay and balling up

  • Coning, centring and pulling walls up to form a cylinder

  • Trimming leather hard pots

  • Pulling and attaching handles or lugs

  • Decorating / glazing your work

Each student will complete 4 pieces - mugs or bowls.

Important things to note:

  • There are two classes that run on a Tuesday (afternoons or evenings); please make your selection below.

  • These classes run over five consecutive weeks. Please confirm your availability before finalising your booking to ensure the best experience. As class sizes are kept small, rescheduling sessions will not be possible.

  • This class is not suitable for under 16s.

  • Cancellation Policy

If the course you’d like to take is full, I’d be happy to add you to the waiting list. Please email me at rachel@rbpots.com

£250.00
Level 2 Throwing - Jugs & Bottles

Thursday evenings 6:30 - 9pm

COURSE DATES: 3/09, 10/09, 17/09, 24/09, 1/10

This course is specifically for students who are familiar with throwing but would like a little help building confidence at the wheel. Class sizes are capped at 3 in order to provide as much tailored learning as possible.

Note: If you're still fairly new to clay or throwing, I recommend starting with the Level 1 course instead. It provides a solid foundation and introduces the key techniques and processes you'll need to get the most out of future classes. If you're unsure whether this class is the right fit for you, please get in touch. I'm always happy to chat!

FOCUS:

Each set of 5 weeks focuses on a different form - we’ll look at JUGS & BOTTLES this time. Learn to throw taller vessels and establish a strong cylinder before adding a belly and collaring in to form a neck. We’ll talk about how to add a pouring spout that doesn’t look over-worked. And finally we’ll go over all sorts of handles and lugs - pulled, rolled, “dog bone”! You’ll be busy :)

Course duration: 5 × 2.5hrs

Learning objectives:

  • Develop your skills as a maker and gain confidence to throw independently

  • Strengthen your foundational skills and troubleshoot common issues at the wheel

  • Develop trimming and finishing skills

  • Build good studio habits including clay and reclaim management

The primary focus of this course is to develop your skills as a maker and gain confidence to throw independently. The fees include firing of 4 small-to-medium sized pieces of work.

Important things to note:

  • These classes run over five consecutive weeks. Please confirm your availability before finalising your booking to ensure the best experience. As class sizes are kept small, rescheduling sessions will not be possible.

  • This class is not suitable for under 16s.

  • Cancellation Policy

If the course you’d like to take is full, I’d be happy to add you to the waiting list. Please email me at rachel@rbpots.com

£250.00
Only 1 available
Level 2 Throwing - Bowls

Thursday evenings 6:30 - 9pm

COURSE DATES: 15/10, 22/10, 29/10, 5/11, 12/11

This course is specifically for students who are familiar with throwing but would like a little help building confidence at the wheel. Class sizes are capped at 3 in order to provide as much tailored learning as possible.

Note: If you're still fairly new to clay or throwing, I recommend starting with the Level 1 course instead. It provides a solid foundation and introduces the key techniques and processes you'll need to get the most out of future classes. If you're unsure whether this class is the right fit for you, please get in touch. I'm always happy to chat!

FOCUS:

Each set of 5 weeks focuses on a different form - we’ll look at BOWLS this time. Bowls may look simple, but they can be a tricky form to learn. Building the right foundation for a bowl is very different from throwing a cylinder, and understanding those differences will help you create stronger, more successful pots.

We’ll look at how to throw a range of bowl forms that require different tools and control, and we'll explore different foot rings and profiles.

Course duration: 5 × 2.5hrs

Learning objectives:

  • Develop your skills as a maker and gain confidence to throw independently

  • Strengthen your foundational skills and troubleshoot common issues at the wheel

  • Develop trimming and finishing skills

  • Build good studio habits including clay and reclaim management

The primary focus of this course is to develop your skills as a maker and gain confidence to throw independently. The fees include firing of 4 small-to-medium sized pieces of work.

Important things to note:

  • These classes run over five consecutive weeks. Please confirm your availability before finalising your booking to ensure the best experience. As class sizes are kept small, rescheduling sessions will not be possible.

  • This class is not suitable for under 16s.

  • Cancellation Policy

If the course you’d like to take is full, I’d be happy to add you to the waiting list. Please email me at rachel@rbpots.com

£250.00
Sold out
Handbuilding Saturdays

Saturdays 10:30am - 1pm

Course dates listed below.

Grab a coffee and join us on Saturday mornings as we explore traditional handbuilding techniques. This course is designed to help students build a strong foundation in coiling and slab building, while creating functional pieces for the home. Alongside guided projects that introduce key techniques, you will be encouraged to design and create a personal project. Expect small class sizes and plenty of individual support.

Course duration: 5 × 2.5hrs

Learning Objectives:

  • Build a strong foundation - learn how to prepare and work with coils and slabs

  • Gain confidence working with clay through its different stages, including slip, plastic clay and leather-hard clay

  • Learn how to construct strong, well-finished forms

  • Develop an understanding of surface decoration using slips and simple finishing methods

  • Design and execute a thoughtful personal project while applying the techniques learned throughout the course

Course fees include firing costs for 4 finished pieces.

Important things to note:

  • These classes run over five consecutive weeks. Please confirm your availability before finalising your booking to ensure the best experience. As class sizes are kept small, rescheduling sessions will not be possible.

  • This class is not suitable for under 16s.

  • Cancellation Policy

If the course you’d like to take is full, I’d be happy to add you to the waiting list. Please email me at rachel@rbpots.com

£225.00

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