Coil & Throw & Multi-Piece Throwing Workshop

Dates: Saturday 20 & Sunday 21 September 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM (10 hours across two days)
Location: Pottery Wheel Area, Commonage Pottery & Gallery
Participants: Limited to 6 per workshop

Cost: $480 per person

Description

Join Gary Hambleton, resident potter at Commonage Pottery, for an immersive two-day workshop during Margaret River Region Open Studios 2025. This rare opportunity is perfect for intermediate to advanced potters seeking to refine their wheel-throwing practice and explore large-scale ceramic forms.

Over two days, you will be guided through the coil & throw technique and multi-piece throwing, combining hand-building and wheel-work to create complex, large vessels. Gary’s thoughtful demonstrations and individual guidance ensure every participant receives hands-on support to extend their skills and deepen their creative expression.

In this workshop, you will

• Learn to extend wheel-thrown forms using hand-built coils
• Explore throwing in multiple parts and joining sections seamlessly
• Understand structural integrity, moisture consistency, and form balance
• Refine surfaces for aesthetic and functional strength

What to expect

• Demonstrations by Gary on advanced throwing, coiling, and joining methods
• Guided hands-on practice to create your own large pot
• Discussions around clay preparation, drying times, and firing for large work
• Insights into traditional and contemporary large vessel making

Who

Designed for intermediate to advanced potters with prior wheel-throwing experience. Small group format (6 participants) ensures individual attention.

Workshop includes

• All clay and materials
• Use of pottery wheels and studio tools
• Apron, towel, and tool set
• Firing and finishing advice

What to Bring

• Your favourite pottery tools (optional)
• Your own apron, if preferred
• Comfortable clothes and closed-toe shoes
  

Gary brings over 40 years of experience in high-fire pottery and traditional techniques. A master of form and glaze, his work is deeply informed by both local practice and international traditions, including time spent studying primitive pottery in Nepal. Since 2019, Gary has been a central figure at Commonage Pottery, known for his exquisite Chun Ware, copper reds, and his passion for sharing skills through mentorship and teaching.

Make your weekend extra special

Pair your workshop with a Happs wine tasting experience or take time to explore the gallery and surrounding natural beauty.

Location

Workshop Location: Commonage Pottery and Gallery at Happs Wines Venue, 575 Commonage Road, Dunsborough WA 6281.

Make your day extra special by adding a wine experience.  You can view our other experiences here.

 For alternative times or larger groups please email commonagepottery@happs.com.au.

Please familiarize yourself with our terms and conditions here prior to finalizing your booking.