Course Dates: 10- 12 September 2026
Level: Intermediate
Join Roop for a three day course to develop your hand building skills to make larger, one off sculptural forms.
We will aim to work on and complete at least one main form, but also make other prepararatory and associated objects to prepare for and problem solve the main outcome.
We will aim to utilise a number of core skills & processes; slab construction, coil building, carving and throwing to develop your ambitions in terms of size and form.
Understanding context, developing ideas and experimentation with materials and processes will be an important element of the course with a talk by Roop exploring historical and contemporary ceramic hand building. The development of ideas through the use of both 2D and 3D visualisation will also be key to the course.
There will be emphasis on understanding the importance of preparation and practical problem-solving. We will encourage thinking about the correct material to use for your particular idea when it comes preparation, additions, shrinkage, firing and joining techniques. This will be with a focus on your ideas and achieving the desired outcome as per your drawings and maquettes.
Guidance & demonstrations will be given throughout the three days with a focus on enabling the ideas and processes of each individual in the class.
This is a workshop for those with experience of working with clay and hand building seeking to develop their own way of working with clay.
Course Structure.
Day 1.
9.30 – Arrival & introductions
10.00 am – Ideas development. Maquette making for sculpture – aims and intentions. Warm up with clay. Discussions about initial ideas and aims.
11.00 am – Tea & Talk – historical and contemporary approaches to ceramic sculpture.
12.00 – Finalisation of ideas & making process – testing materials to make with.
1.00 – Lunch
1.30 – Begin working on larger forms.
4.00pm. Finish for the day, clean up & prepare for day 2. Recap
Day 2.
9.30-9.45 – Arrival & preparations. Roop to set out aims for the day. Demonstration
10.15. Students start making for the day
11.30. Mid-morning break.
11.45pm – Continue making.
1.00pm – Lunch
1.45pm. Roop Demo
2.00 pm. Making time
4.00pm. Clear up & recap of the day
Day 3.
9.30-9.45 – Arrival & preparations. Roop to set out aims for the day. Demonstration
10.15. Students start making for the day
11.30. Mid-morning break. Roop demonstration
12.00pm – Continue making.
1.00pm – Lunch
1.45pm. Roop Demo
2.00 pm. Making time. Finishing up of pieces
4.00pm. Clear up & recap of the day
What is included in the price
3 days of guided tuition. All tools, materials and firings included with the aim that you will be able to complete initial experiments, a larger handbuilt piece and, if there is time, a smaller supporting works. Students are welcome to bring their own ideas to the course and ambition is welcomed, though there may be a further materials and firing charge, depending on scale and numbers of pieces produced.
Refreshments: Plenty of tea, coffee, biscuits, cake will be readily available! Please bring your own lunch or we can organise for take away lunches from the local farm shop.
About Roop & Al
Roop has been a practising potter since 2001 having graduated from the Ceramics Degree and Postgraduate Diploma at Edinburgh College of Art. He has extensive teaching experience, including visiting lecturing at what is now UCA Farnham and Plymouth University, the Dartmoor Arts Summer School, and since 2009, at Exeter College and School of Art. He has a Certificate in Education from Plymouth University.
He has been working with his partner Alice as RAMP (Roop and Al Make Pots) since 2001. Alice’s predominant role has been in developing the characteristic RAMP style of surface decoration. Together Roop & Al have exhibited widely at craft fairs and exhibitions across the UK. They are members of the Devon Guild of Craftsmen and the CPA (Craftsmen Potters Association of Great Britain).
How to Book
Spaces are limited on the course and so please book early to avoid disapointment. Places will be allocated on a ‘first come, first serve’ basis on the basis of payment.
To book a place, please go to the shop section of this site and find the course booking tab. Please ensure you have read the Terms and Conditions before you book and pay for the course.