Man has been shaping clay into crockery and statues since the dawn of time. While pottery is no longer an essential skill, it
is a lot of fun.
Northcote Pottery Supplies (
142-144 Weston Street, Brunswick East) is a retail store and small gallery for potters and sculptures in Melbourne. They also offer a firing service for a minimum charge of $5.50. If you're not a clay artist but would like to learn how, sign on for a class or workshop.
Six week courses take place from Monday to Thursday in the morning and evenings. There are beginner and intermediate courses available in wheel throwing or hand sculpting. Classes take two to two and a half hours and students are provided with tools and decorating materials, clay and firing service.
Local artists in residence offer
one day workshops for more professional artists. Topics include improving technique, advanced decorating skills like glazing and tissue transfers and jewellery making. These classes take place on Saturdays; see the website for times.
Northcote Pottery also offers occasional master classes, where participants are exposed to discussion and demonstrations of more advanced pottery fields, such as working with porcelain. Lunch is provided and some tuition may be included. Keep an eye on the
website for information on upcoming master classes.
