Do It Yourself Workshops
Bill runs sessions for people to try their hand at making Bronze Age Beakers and Urns.
The first session lasts between 2 and 4 hours
and deals with :-
*Preparing the clay - Bill can provide ready to use clay, but it is interesting
to see what goes into the raw clay. Participants are encouraged to bring
their own clay, if they can find some locally.
*An overview of the Bronze Age Pottery traditions. It is useful if people
have visited a Museum before coming so that they have seen some real ancient
pottery. The Dorset
County Museum is highly recommended.
*Methods of shaping the pots
*Methods of decorating the pots
*Practical attempts at making pottery
People are encouraged to make more pots "at home" after the first session and bring them to be fired.
The second session is the firing of the pots,
when they are dry - a couple of weeks after they are made.
A bonfire or clamp is used to slowly preheat and then fire the pottery,
over about 8 hours.
The sessions can be staged when and where convenient - individuals will be invited to come to a session when there are enough people wanting to do it. Groups can negotiate their own activities.
Sessions can be run at the Upwey Old School Hall, or in the comfort of a group's own venue. The bonfire needs a space about 4 metres square minimum, with the turf removed (if precious!). Bill will roam afar if travelling expenses are paid.
Bill is happy to work with people of all ages and abilitities, but each child must be accompanied at all times by an adult guardian (at a ratio of not more than 3 children per adult), the adult must also join in!
Participants will be able to take away the pots they make, but no guarantee is given that they will be in one piece! Pots that Bill has made will be available for sale.
Bill tries to make a living as a professional potter, so charges have to be made, think what a plumber or car mechanic charges and then negotiate accordingly!