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| Creating Venus Figurines Feb & March Creating ancient ‘Venus’ figurines from clay is a most revealing exercise. One can learn so much from within ones self, the deep past, human nature and of course the skill of sculpting and interpreting form. The first in this series of courses will be held over two weekends with a ‘Prehistoric’ firing on Friday 7th. May.
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 | Prehistoric Pottery - Fri 30th April to Sat
8th May 8 days of learning a range of ancient pottery techniques, surrounded by Neolithic landscapes and World Heritage Sites. As well as making and wood-firing Neolithic pottery, you will get to dig your own clay from near Skara Brae - the oldest village in Northern Europe. You will also be treated to a special Ancient Technology Day, a Neolithic supper and tours around the archaeology of Orkney. All under the expert tutelage of Andrew Appleby and Lecturer Dr Stephen Harrison. |
| Throwing and Wheel Decoration - Sat 29th May to Sat 5th
June A week of learning a range of pottery techniques used on the wheel, including; throwing a variety of vessel shapes, turning them to define their form and wheel based surface decoration. The body of finished works will then be fired, for you to keep. As well as intensive practical sessions the history of ceramic function and derivation of form will be explained as you go along. This is a rare opportunity to really experience a working pottery and absorb all you can from a master potter. |  |
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Creation of Collage - Sat 26th June to Sat 3rd July A week of learning a range of collage techniques using collected objects from Orkney walks lead by Rosie Priestman, your tutor for the week. Rosie has been working with the complexities of collage for many years and is very familiar with the inspiring qualities of both the mixed media and of the Orkney Islands. Her work is often extremely detailed, highly skilled and much sought after. You now have the chance to learn her techniques to create your own expressive works. |
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Medieval Tile Making - Sat 18th Sept to Sat 25th Sept 7 days of learning the pleasures and intricacies of making hand-made tiles. As well as forming them and decorating with traditional Medieval methods, you will also fire your tiles in our contemporary electric kiln. Last year one of our students went on to sell their tile panel to a museum for display and so could you! You will come away with your own tiles for your own home and a greater appreciation of the skills and artistry involved in tile panel making. |  |
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Orkney Information Just off the northern coast of mainland Scotland lies the tranquil, yet energizing isles of Orkney. Its exquisite beauty encompasses dramatic panoramas, sea-scapes and wild, unspoiled places. The light this far north is totally unique inspiring artists, photographers, musicians and crafts people for millennia. You will also be surrounded by the worlds finest collection of Neolithic archaeology, as well as sites from throughout the ages. Mixing this with our gentle pace of life and warm, welcoming people makes Orkney a truly special place to be. |
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Bill Please! Here's some details of the cost. Our one week courses are £525 per student. This includes accommodation, continental breakfast, lunch, refreshments and enough materials to start you off. If you require a private room then there will be a supplement of £100. We welcome your partner on a Bed and Breakfast only basis at £25 per night. Should you wish to source alternative accommodation, to house your whole family for instance, then we will discount the course fee by £100. Further Information. Although island based, we are surprisingly easy to reach. You can drive it, train it or bus it, then catch the boat from 3 different ports. Or simply fly. We can advise you on all the options so don't worry. Whilst lovely accommodation is provided, should you wish to bring your family or make alternative arrangements, we are happy to help. So, for a full information pack and booking form, or just an initial chat please get in touch, just ask for Andrew. You can phone us on 0044 (0)1856 771419. Or write to Fursbreck Pottery, Harray, Orkney, KW17 2JR, UK. And you can always send us a message from this web site. | The pottery and accommodation are housed in the old parish school. Andrew Appleby is a master of his craft and founded the pottery over 33 years ago. Not only is Andrew one of the few remaining high production throwers, he also has a unique understanding and appreciation of historic and prehistoric pottery techniques; having also worked as an archaeologist. He has been developing the understanding of clay and its uses through experimental research programs for many years. Assisted by his wife Sigrid, Andrew is now willing to share the depth of his understanding with amateurs and experienced potters alike, through a dedicated season of practical courses. He is also keen to offer the insights of other artists and crafts people to you through residential learning in other media. You will be amazed at the amount of intuitive understanding you will gain and the breadth of creativity you will be immersed in. Numbers for the courses have been limited to just a handful to ensure high levels of teacher-student time and to facilitate mutual learning. The house joined to the pottery provides stylish yet cosy accommodation with spectacular views across open country, loch and hills. |