Character Head Sculpture Workshop

Working in clay, sculpt a small-scale character head in this one-day fun-packed workshop.

This workshop is hands on - it’s both a great introduction to sculpture for those with absolutely no experience and a fun day for those seeking to further explore their sculptural practise.

The day will begin by exploring how artists in the past have used clay to create a range of styles of character heads. From that point on we’ll be taking a very hands-on approach, working on a basic former (supplied), and slowly building up the surface to give our character heads suitable form and characteristics. We’ll then begin the refining and detailing process to bring out the full character of our creations.

Throughout the day you will learn how to use clay as a modelling material, how to work with proportions, and how to best bring out the character of your work to realise your ideas.

By the end of the day you will have sculpted, refined and added detail to your very own unique small-scale character head (approx 6” in height). This can then be left to dry before firing, ready for collection at a later date (usually 2-3 weeks after the workshop).

This is a fun, relaxed class with the chance to really see what can be created in the medium of clay.

Sculptor and experienced tutor Austin Orwin has been teaching sculptural techniques at Attenborough Arts Centre for the past 20 years. He’s passionate about sculpture and how we interpret and respond to visual form. Alongside his teaching Austin runs his own sculpture practise, using everything from clay modelling techniques to stone carving to realise his sculptural designs.

All materials and equipment are provided. No prior experience is required. Please wear old clothes and/or bring or borrow one of our aprons as clay can get messy!

Participants must be aged 14+. Under 18s must be accompanied by a paying adult at all times.

This one-day workshop will run on Saturday 4 October. The day starts at 10:30am and ends at 4pm, with a short break for lunch.

Our café will be open or you are welcome to bring your own refreshments/packed lunch.

If the course/workshop you’d like to book is sold out, we do operate a waiting list - simply contact our box office team on / and ask to be added to the waiting list. We’ll then contact you if a place becomes available, with absolutely no obligation to accept it if you’ve made other plans!

Please ensure that you agree to our updatedTERMS & CONDITIONS before booking as courses/workshops are non-refundable in some circumstances.

We aim to make all our sessions as accessible as possible and carers/PAs are very welcome - just remember to book their free place when you book your session. If you'd like to talk to us in advance of booking or attending your sessions to discuss your access needs, our Box Office team is here to help! Email, pop in or call, open 7 days a week.

We have four blue badge parking spaces outside Attenborough Arts Centre, plus double yellow line roadside parking very close to the building for blue badge holders for up to three hours if our parking spaces are occupied.
Free parking for all customers is available after 5pm on weekdays and all day at weekends in the University of Leicester car park next door to Attenborough Arts Centre on Lancaster Road. The closest public car park for parking at all other times is Victoria Park, 5-10 minutes walk from us (near De Montfort Hall).