33-2024- John Colbeck & Franco Rampi – Stoneware and the Art of the Wheel
August 11 – 24 2024
A two weeks training on the wheel with two exceptional potters and educators.
Throwing. For all levels

Introduction
Stoneware and the wheel: people throw, and always have, with a variety of intentions. Some focus on form and its surface, others focus on objects of function and yet others use thrown form as a support for graphic ideas. And then, often, these three interests may overlap.
Techniques taught
The central focus of the course is stoneware throwing, however, a related focus is the ways thrown objects may be finished. Each morning and afternoon session will begin with a demonstration to the group. Participants may then work in relation to those demonstrations or pursue their particular interests – in both cases with the attention and support of the teacher. The sequence of throwing demonstrations will cover a wide range of forms – from flat to spherical, from fluidly curvaceous to austerely angular and from simple to complex – and a range of scale, from small to large. Teapots, jugs and the simplest of forms will all be shown.
Teaching method
Our aim is that, within the framework of the course, the distinct needs of each participant will be met. Specifically, different interests and differing levels of experience will benefit through individual and group teaching.
Materials
The course will use a finely grogged throwing clay of excellent working qualities, evolved in a programme of experiment at La Meridiana. This clay is ideally suitable both for beginners and more fluent throwers. The sequence of demonstrations on surface and mark making processes will cover a range of possibilities using clay, slip and glaze. In the end, the work will be finished in the gas reduction kilns at 1285C (2345F) (Cone 10). Most of the dry work will be bisqued and a selection of this will be glazed and fired. The practical work of the course will be complemented by two illustrated talks about the variety of visual and material qualities evident in contemporary and historical ceramics, and by one illustrated technical talk on stoneware glazes and firing.
Logistics
The workshop is open for all levels. On every classday, a delicious meal will be served and lodging is included in the cost as well.
The artists
John Colbeck has taught full and part time at Ceramics degree courses in the UK throughout his working life and was for many years Head of Ceramics at Bath Academy of Art and, in addition, has taught many short courses and given lectures and seminars in the UK and abroad. He is author of “Pottery, the Technique of Throwing” (1969), “Pottery, Techniques of Decoration” (1983) (both of these still available as Classic reprints from Axner Supplies USA) and “Pottery Materials” (1988). He produces unglazed, polished thrown forms in stoneware and porcelain. johncolbeck.com
Franco Rampi was born in Domodossola in northern Italy. He started working as a potter in 1981. After an apprenticeship in England and a further cycle of studies in Italy he opened his own studio in Tuscany. 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. For ten years he has been teaching and collaborating with La Meridiana and is a most apreciated instructor for his humour, empathy and skill.www.francorampi.it
Artists: | John Colbeck & Franco Rampi |
---|---|
Date: | Sunday August 11 (arrival) – Saturday August 24 (departure) 2024 |
Length of course | 10 working days in the studio |
Technique | Surface techniques, Throwing |
Level | For all levels |
Total cost: | Euro 3200 |
Deposit for booking: | Euro 900 |
AVAILABLE!
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;
Lodging in shared double room; single room on request at additional fee of 260 euros per week;
Shared kitchen facilities and shared bathroom.
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 Italian consumer legislation, in accordance with the EU consumer protection legislation. In the event of disputes, the competent court is Florence. If the workshop cannot be hold because of an insufficient number of students, the deposit will be fully reimbursed.
Force Majeure
Students must know that cancellations may occur due to events beyond our control (e.g. pandemic, civil disorder, medical or family issues of the instructor). In such case, La Meridiana reserves the right to offer a voucher for a different workshop of your choice. The voucher is valid for two years. The deposit will be transferred to the workshop of choice.
Safety
La Meridiana is equipped to comply with the current safety standards regarding Covid-19, including social distancing between people in and outside the studio. The daily maintenance of hygiene measures is guaranteed. Please note that participants will be required to follow the security protocol and to comply with some simple precautions.