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14 -2026 – Franco Rampi – Spring Throwing
March 29 – April 11 2026
Intensive training, community and fun
Throwing. For beginners and intermediate
Introduction
Spring throwing is an intensive throwing training, followed by glazing and decorating sessions. Group demonstration alternate with plently of individual attention for each student.
Techniques taught
In Spring Throwing we will approach the fundamental techniques on the wheel. Practising different ways of manipulating clay, from preparation to throwing and finishing processes, will expand familiarity with the medium. We will start with cylinders, then make bowls, jugs and mugs. Adding handles and spouts will complete the methods taught. The throwing section ends with a review of trimming skills. We will spend two full days with glazing, allowing for much calm in this final step of the making. Glazing will be introduced by an easy to understand lesson of theory, followed by demos of various possibilities in applying glazes.
Teaching method
Starting with exhaustive demos, the participants will have ample time for training and making on the wheel. An important aspect will be to familiarize with the various glazes and the glazing process itself. In fact, in Summer Throwing, students learn to perform the glazing process in a confident manner by dipping or pouring. We will use a stoneware clay and fire in the gas kiln in reduction atmosphere to cone ten. Most of the dry work will be bisqued and a selection of this will be glazed and fired.
Logistics
On every classday, a delicious meal will be served. At booking, you may select your preferred room type, choosing between standard lodging, single room and/or upgraded accommodation. Please note that depending on the availability, certain types at times may not be offered.
Students will arrive on Sunday March 29 and leave on Saturday April 11 2026. Our last kiln opening will be on Saturday morning, so please plan your travel so as not to leave La Meridiana before 9.30 am.
This class is suitable for all levels.
The Artists
Franco Rampi started working as a potter in 1978. After an apprenticeship in England and a cycle of studies in Italy he opened his own studio in Tuscany where he produces both functional objects in small series and one off pieces. He works mainly in stoneware, whilst continuing his research on clays, slips and forms. He has taught workshops on throwing and glazing for many years, collaborating with La Meridiana since 2010. www.francorampi.it
| Artist | Franco Rampi |
|---|---|
| Length of course | 10 working days in the studio |
| Technique | Throwing |
| Level | For all levels |
| Workshop fee (without lodging) | Euro 2980 |
| Deposit for booking | Euro 900 |
Workshop fee & Lodging
The costs listed include both the workshop fee and the lodging.
15 MINUTES WALK FROM THE STUDIO
Standard accommodation in shared double room with shared bathroom. Final course cost: Euro 3440
Standard accommodation in single room with shared bathroom. Final course cost: Euro 3780
PRIVATE APARTMENT
Maximum 15 minutes walk from the studio, with one bedroom, kitchen, bathroom and outside space. Final course cost: 4420
Course without lodging Euro 2980
Additional information
The workshop fee includes the following:
Tuition of 6 – 8 hours per day;
Studio open 11 hours per day;
All materials and firings;
Freshly prepared three course lunch with wine on all working days;
Welcome breakfast, Welcome and Final dinner;
Coffee break in the mornings and in the evenings.
Payment and Refund Policy
A deposit is required at registration. After submitting the registration form, you may proceed with the payment on-line. If you choose to pay by bank transfer, the registration will be confirmed once the deposit has been accredited in our banking account. The balance must be paid at the beginning of the course.
Cancellations
You may withdraw within 14 days of registration without incurring in any penalties and will have the deposit fully refunded. No refund of deposits past 14 days of registration, pursuant to articles 53 and following of the EU consumer protection legislation.
If La Meridiana cannot hold the course due to unforeseen events beyond our control, La Meridiana reserves the right to offer a voucher for a different course of your choice. The voucher is valid for two years. The deposit will be transferred to the new course.
Artist Statement
I feel deeply connected to the generations of potters who since the remote past have made bowls and vases for humanity. These functional objects are present in everyday live, and among the most powerful symbols of life on earth. When creating, I feel a strong connection to tradition, but the inspiration that comes from the ever-stimulating materials I use is equally powerful.
A common thread made of passion, curiosity and commitment binds together the students I have had the pleasure of teaching during the past two months. Passing the knowledge of making on the wheel to new generations completes my own path as a ceramist.
