YOUR CREATIVE RETREAT
“The teaching was relaxed, informative and supportive but also encouraged you to develop and have confidence in your own style. It’s a quiet haven, a place to fully immerse yourself in being creative and relax completely.”
Immersive Courses (3 & 5 days) BELOW
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Special Effects Glazing Workshop with Linda Bloomfield - SOLD OUT.
This is a two day special effects glazing course for intermediate potters with the master of glazes and author of best-selling books on glazes Linda Bloomfield. In this hands on and practical course, you will develop and mix glazes which will be fired and analysed during the course.
Pottery - Intermediate Throwing 3 day residential course with Rapaela Seck - SOLD OUT
This long weekend course is for intermediate potters. If you want to improve your throwing skills, this dedicated time and space with expert tuition will help you develop your ceramic practice. This course will include techniques for preparing and wedging your clay, centering on the wheel, throwing a basic cylinder, turning and trimming pots, attaching handles and exploring other forms including bowls, mugs, jugs, and plates.
Pottery - 5 Day Raku course with Tim Andrews - SOLD OUT.
We are delighted that master potter Tim Andrews joins us again in 2024. Tim is known internationally for his distinctive raku pottery and for his book ‘Raku‘* a comprehensive overview of raku, covering the history, clay types and firing of raku, as well as the glazes, techniques and reduction processes. Tim makes individual work, black and white with linear decoration, or burnished muted coloured slips. The pieces are usually thrown, although some work is hand-built.
MUD & WATER - A weekend of open water swimming & pottery.
We created this new course in 2023 offering tutored sessions in both outdoor swimming and pottery led by hugely talented and experienced potters Laurel Keeley and Jodie Crook Giles and Outdoor Swimming Society Director Kari Furre. It was a huge success so its back for 2024.
Pottery - 5 Day course with Laurel Keeley-SOLD OUT.
This is an immersive five day intensive pottery residential with the internationally recognised potter Laurel Keeley. Laurel works with coloured slips and drawn line in stoneware and porcelain clays, with glazes and oxides applied, often enhanced with Gold Lustre.
The slab bowls, plates and pots are vehicles for figurative designs of fish and fields, rivers, canals and glimpses of the world through windows. More recently she has been working with images of gardens and landscape, her method informed by painting.
Pottery - Five day pottery throwing course with Sabine Nemet.
We are delighted to announce a new pottery tutor in 2023, the utterly brilliant and talented Sabine Nemet. Sabine will be teaching a five day throwing course, focusing on the shapes and forms she makes and is known for.
MUD & WATER - 5 days of open water swimming & pottery.
We are excited to announce this new course offering tutored sessions in both outdoor swimming and pottery led by hugely talented and experinced potters Laurel Keeley and Jodie Crook Giles and Outdoor Swimming Society Director Kari Furre.
Ceramics - Slab built and Slip-painted Ceramics – Responding to Place - 5 Day course with Anna Lambert.
This is an immersive five day intensive pottery residential with the internationally recognised potter Anna Lambert. Anna builds her work from a white earthenware mixed clay, using a variety of techniques including slab-building, using both soft and firm slabs, modelling and painting with slips.
Her ideas reflect an interest in place, exploring narratives relating to land and water management in her locality and the regeneration of orchards.
Pottery - 5 Day course with Laurel Keeley.
This is an immersive five day intensive pottery residential for intermediate potters focusing on handbuilding with the internationally recognised potter Laurel Keeley. Laurel works with coloured slips and drawn line in stoneware and porcelain clays, with glazes and oxides applied.
The slab bowls, plates and pots are vehicles for figurative designs of fish and fields, rivers, canals and glimpses of the world through windows. More recently she has been working with images of gardens and landscape, her method informed by painting.
Pottery - 5 Day Teapot Throwing Course with Tim Andrews.
An intermediate pottery throwing course focusing on all the elements of making a teapot and cups. Tim has taught around the world for over thirty years - workshops, lecturing, FE & HE. He trained originally with David Leach and at Dartington. Tim exhibits internationally - most recently in Japan, China and Australia. He is the author of two books on Raku ceramics, is fellow of the CPA and honorary President of the West Country Potters Association.
Ceramics - Dylan Bowen - Making and decorating dynamic slip decorated earthenware.
Dylan Bowen. Making and decorating dynamic slip decorated earthenware - During this course Dylan will demonstrate and teach various techniques based on his own work.
Introduction to Pottery Course - Beginners Pottery weekend.
A three day course designed specifically for anyone wanting to work with clay for the first time. This course led by our regular class pottery tutor Verran Townsend and you will have a chance to both handbill and throw on the wheel.
Introduction to Pottery Weekend with Verran Townsend - 2 places left.
A three day course designed specifically for anyone wanting to work with clay for the first time. This course led by our regular class pottery tutor Verran Townsend and you will have a chance to both handbill and throw on the wheel.
2 day Pottery Essential GLAZING Guide course.
This two-day course is for potters who already have some basic glaze knowledge and want to learn how to mix and develop glazes. We’ll be covering the fundamentals of glaze chemistry in an accessible way, exploring how to fix glaze faults, and learning how to alter glaze recipes to develop your own glaze.
Pottery - Weekend with Laurel Keeley
This is a lovely weekend intensive pottery residential with the internationally recognised potter Laurel Keeley and her only weekend course in 2024. Laurel works with coloured slips and drawn line in stoneware and porcelain clays, with glazes and oxides applied.
The slab bowls, plates and pots are vehicles for figurative designs of fish and fields, rivers, canals and glimpses of the world through windows. More recently she has been working with images of gardens and landscape, her method informed by painting.
Introduction to Pottery - A weekend course with Verran Townsend.
A three day course designed specifically for anyone wanting to work with clay for the first time. This course led by our regular class pottery tutor Verran Townsend and you will have a chance to both handbill and throw on the wheel.
Ceramics - Platters and Place: an introduction to painting and mark-making with slips- 3 Day course with Anna Lambert - 1 place released.
Learn how to develop designs for simple slab built ceramic platters and tiles. You will discover ways to build complex and layered surfaces with tonal and coloured slips, using combinations of surface pattern techniques.
We will start with the rolling of slabs for plates and test pieces. We will then spend time around Coombe Farm, drawing and gathering ideas for the workshop.
Pottery - Intermediate throwing weekend with Jodie Crook Giles - 1 place available.
This long weekend course is for intermediate potters. If you want to improve your throwing skills, this dedicated time and space with expert tuition will help you develop your ceramic practice. This course will include techniques for preparing and wedging your clay, centering on the wheel, throwing a basic cylinder, turning and trimming pots, attaching handles and exploring other forms including bowls, mugs, jugs, and plates.
Pottery - TASTER SESSION - SOLD OUT
This Pottery taster session is for anyone that wants to have a go at working with clay and/or the experience of working in the pottery at Coombe. You will be tutored by a professional potter and have the opportunity to handbuild and throw at the wheel.
Pottery - Weekend with Laurel Keeley - SOLD OUT
This is a lovely weekend intensive pottery residential with the internationally recognised potter Laurel Keeley and her only weekend course in 2022. Laurel works with coloured slips and drawn line in stoneware and porcelain clays, with glazes and oxides applied, often enhanced with Gold Lustre.
The slab bowls, plates and pots are vehicles for figurative designs of fish and fields, rivers, canals and glimpses of the world through windows. More recently she has been working with images of gardens and landscape, her method informed by painting.
Pottery for Beginners - Weekend Course with Verran Townsend - SOLD OUT
A three day course designed specifically for anyone wanting to work with clay for the first time. This course led by our regular class pottery tutor Verran Townsend and you will have a chance to both handbill and throw on the wheel.
Ceramics - Dylan Bowen - Making and decorating dynamic slip decorated earthenware - 1 place released
Dylan Bowen. Making and decorating dynamic slip decorated earthenware - During this course Dylan will demonstrate and teach various techniques based on his own work.
Ceramics - Platters and Place: an introduction to painting and mark-making with slips- 3 Day course with Anna Lambert - 1 place released.
Learn how to develop designs for simple slab built ceramic platters and tiles. You will discover ways to build complex and layered surfaces with tonal and coloured slips, using combinations of surface pattern techniques.
We will start with the rolling of slabs for plates and test pieces. We will then spend time around Coombe Farm, drawing and gathering ideas for the workshop.
Pottery - 5 Day Raku course with Tim Andrews - SOLD OUT
We are delighted that master potter Tim Andrews joins us again in 2022. Tim is known internationally for his distinctive raku pottery and for his book ‘Raku‘* a comprehensive overview of raku, covering the history, clay types and firing of raku, as well as the glazes, techniques and reduction processes. Tim makes individual work, black and white with linear decoration, or burnished muted coloured slips. The pieces are usually thrown, although some work is hand-built.
Pottery - 5 Day course with Laurel Keeley - SOLD OUT
This is an immersive five day intensive pottery residential with the internationally recognised potter Laurel Keeley. Laurel works with coloured slips and drawn line in stoneware and porcelain clays, with glazes and oxides applied.
The slab bowls, plates and pots are vehicles for figurative designs of fish and fields, rivers, canals and glimpses of the world through windows. More recently she has been working with images of gardens and landscape, her method informed by painting.
2 day course: Intermediate Glazing - developing your own glaze.
This two-day course is for potters who already have some basic glaze knowledge and want to learn how to mix and develop glazes. We’ll be covering the fundamentals of glaze chemistry in an accessible way, exploring how to fix glaze faults, and learning how to alter glaze recipes to develop your own glaze.
Pottery - Intermediate Throwing 3 day residential course with Rapaela Seck - SOLD OUT
This long weekend course is for intermediate potters. If you want to improve your throwing skills, this dedicated time and space with expert tuition will help you develop your ceramic practice. This course will include techniques for preparing and wedging your clay, centering on the wheel, throwing a basic cylinder, turning and trimming pots, attaching handles and exploring other forms including bowls, mugs, jugs, and plates.
Pottery - Weekend with Laurel Keeley - SOLD OUT
This is a lovely weekend intensive pottery residential with the internationally recognised potter Laurel Keeley. Laurel works with coloured slips and drawn line in stoneware and porcelain clays, with glazes and oxides applied, often enhanced with Gold Lustre.
The slab bowls, plates and pots are vehicles for figurative designs of fish and fields, rivers, canals and glimpses of the world through windows. More recently she has been working with images of gardens and landscape, her method informed by painting.
Pottery - 5 Day course with Chris Taylor - SOLD OUT
A 5 day pottery course focusing on surface decoration specifically the use of decals, slips and screen printing onto clay. You will also have the chance to throw and hand build the work you will be decorating.
Pottery - Weekend course with Laurel Keeley - SOLD OUT
This is a lovely weekend intensive pottery residential with the internationally recognised potter Laurel Keeley. Laurel works with coloured slips and drawn line in stoneware and porcelain clays, with glazes and oxides applied, often enhanced with Gold Lustre.
The slab bowls, plates and pots are vehicles for figurative designs of fish and fields, rivers, canals and glimpses of the world through windows. More recently she has been working with images of gardens and landscape, her method informed by painting.
Pottery - 5 Day Raku course with Tim Andrews - SOLD OUT
We are delighted that master potter Tim Andrews joins us again in 2020. Tim is known internationally for his distinctive raku pottery and for his book ‘Raku‘* a comprehensive overview of raku, covering the history, clay types and firing of raku, as well as the glazes, techniques and reduction processes. Tim makes individual work, black and white with linear decoration, or burnished muted coloured slips. The pieces are usually thrown, although some work is hand-built.
Pottery - 5 Day course with Adam Frew - SOLD OUT
We are thrilled to be adding a new pottery course at Coombe in 2021 with the hugely talented potter Adam Frew. We have long admired the work of Adam who makes clean, simple forms on wheel. Based in rural Northern Ireland Adam works in porcelain, creating thrown functional and large one-off pots
Pottery - 5 Day course with Laurel Keeley - SOLD OUT
This is an immersive five day intensive pottery residential with the internationally recognised potter Laurel Keeley. Laurel works with coloured slips and drawn line in stoneware and porcelain clays, with glazes and oxides applied, often enhanced with Gold Lustre.
The slab bowls, plates and pots are vehicles for figurative designs of fish and fields, rivers, canals and glimpses of the world through windows. More recently she has been working with images of gardens and landscape, her method informed by painting.
Pottery- 5 Day course with Laurel Keeley - SOLD OUT.
This is an immersive five day intensive pottery residential with the internationally recognised potter Laurel Keeley. Laurel works with coloured slips and drawn line in stoneware and porcelain clays, with glazes and oxides applied, often enhanced with Gold Lustre.
The slab bowls, plates and pots are vehicles for figurative designs of fish and fields, rivers, canals and glimpses of the world through windows. More recently she has been working with images of gardens and landscape, her method informed by painting.
Ceramics Weekend - with Laurel Keeley SOLD OUT **POSTPONED DUE TO ENGLAND-WIDE LOCKDOWN
This is a lovely weekend intensive pottery residential with the internationally recognised potter Laurel Keeley. Laurel works with coloured slips and drawn line in stoneware and porcelain clays, with glazes and oxides applied, often enhanced with Gold Lustre.
The slab bowls, plates and pots are vehicles for figurative designs of fish and fields, rivers, canals and glimpses of the world through windows. More recently she has been working with images of gardens and landscape, her method informed by painting.
Ceramics Weekend - with Laurel Keeley - SOLD OUT **POSTPONED DUE TO ENGLAND-WIDE LOCKDOWN
This is a lovely weekend intensive pottery residential with the internationally recognised potter Laurel Keeley. Laurel works with coloured slips and drawn line in stoneware and porcelain clays, with glazes and oxides applied, often enhanced with Gold Lustre.
The slab bowls, plates and pots are vehicles for figurative designs of fish and fields, rivers, canals and glimpses of the world through windows. More recently she has been working with images of gardens and landscape, her method informed by painting.
FAQs
What is your cancellation policy?
A deposit of £150 is required at the time of booking, this is to secure your place on the course and is non-refundable and non transferrable unless we are cancelling the course in which case you will be refunded. The balance of course fees are required three weeks before your course starts. They are also non-refundable and non transferable, therefore we suggest you take out adequate travel insurance at the time of booking to ensure you are covered in the event that you are unable to attend your course. Download our full Terms & Conditions for courses here
Is there availability on the course I want?
SOLD OUT courses will be marked as 'Sold Out', and there will not be an option to ‘add to cart’ other courses will have availability.
I can only eat certain things, will this be a problem?
Not at all, when you book your place the booking form will ask you for our dietary and/or access requirements so just let us know and we’ll cater for you accordingly.
Do I have to have lots of experience?
No, all our courses are suitable for all abilities except where expressly described i.e. painting for beginners. The rest of the courses are suitable for all, from artists making a living from their work, to complete beginners and we welcome this mix.
What is the cost of a course?
Course prices range from £370 + VAT for a long-weekend to £815 + VAT for a 5-day residential course full board - see each specific course for exact prices.
Do you take waiting lists?
Yes, please email us to join a waiting list for a specific course or tutor or email us here.
How do I get from Totnes train station to Coombe?
Recommended taxi companies from Totnes are Badger Cabs or And Some Cabs. If you let us know when your train time we can see if others would like to share a taxi with you. Sometimes we are also able to pick you up depending on arrival times so do check with us. At the end of the course, we can give you a lift back to Totnes train station.
If I book as a resident, will I have to share a bedroom?
No all our rooms are for single occupancy unless you expressly wish to share a double room with a partner, in which case just let us know at the time of booking, for everyone else all rooms are for single occupancy.
How do I book on to a course?
Click onto the course for more information and online booking OR call us and we can either book you in over the phone or send you a booking form in the post 01803 722 352.
I’m not sure which course is best for me, can someone advise me?
Yes of course, give us a ring to discuss your interests and level of experience and we can advise you on different options and answer any other queries you may have 01803 722352.
Question not answered?
If your question isn’t answered here, please do get in contact with us