Sculptural Ceramics

A 10-week course exploring sculptural form, working exclusively with clay and using a variety of sculptural techniques to create your own unique pieces.

This course is hands on and ideal for both beginners and those looking to further explore their sculptural practise.

Clay is a very versatile material and you will learn a range of techniques (including pinch pot, coiling, slab building and casting) and with the support of the tutor will be encouraged to adopt an ambitious approach to making sculpture by thinking about space, form, shadow, balance and surface detail.

You will learn about the many different ways in which clay can be used to fulfil your sculptural ideas, and will practise maquette making, and learn methods to transform an idea into a reality by following a series of steps on individual projects in class.

By the end of the course, you will have created a series of unique small models or perhaps a larger piece. Finishing techniques will also be discussed.

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 of sculpture or ceramics required.

Participants must be aged 18+.

This 10-week course runs on Thursday mornings 10am-12.30pm, starting on 25 September and ending on 4 December 2025.

PLEASE NOTE: no session on Thursday 23 October 2025 (half term break).

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).