Beyond the Basics: The Art of Teapot Making for Intermediate to Advanced Potters with Chris Harford

Beyond the Basics: The Art of Teapot Making for Intermediate to Advanced Potters with Chris Harford

“Water is the mother of tea, a teapot its father, and fire the teacher.” – Chinese Proverb

Delve into the subtle intricacies of teapot design with our Easter Teapot Workshop with master potter and passionate teapot maker Chris Harford. Over four-days Chris will guide you through the process of creating functional teapots, focusing on technique and refinement.

This course is tailored for those with intermediate to advanced wheel-throwing skills*.

Day 1: Form and Function Join Chris Harford for a thoughtful discussion on the form and function of teapots, setting the stage for a day of throwing bodies and lids. Chris will provide demonstrations and engage in ongoing discussions to enhance your understanding.

Day 2: Attention to Detail Witness the trimming and fitting process as Chris demonstrates essential techniques. Engage in discussions about spouts and handles, followed by hands-on sessions where you'll throw spouts and practice crafting pulled and handmade handles.

Day 3: Integration Trim your pots, fitting lids meticulously, and learn the art of preparing the teapot body for the spout. This day is dedicated to the seamless integration of the various components.

Day 4: Finishing Touches Assemble your teapot with precision, adding the final touches that give it a unique character. Engage in the process of pulling and hand-making handles and observe a demonstration of glazing techniques.

What to Expect: Participants will work on 2 to 3 teapots, refining their skills and creating functional pieces.

Materials to Bring:

• • Your pottery toolkit and wheel throwing tools
  • Batts if you work on batts. We have some that can be used in the workshop.
  • Plastic bags or similar (dry cleaning bags are good, they’re soft and light)
  • Camera/Smart Phone and notebook/art journal
  • Chris recommends you make a collection of pictures and drawings of teapot designs that interest you in your art journal to bring to the workshop.
  • Clay is not included. We stock a range of clays and tools for purchase. Chris will advise students about clays and can sell clay at the workshop
  • Firing of your pots can be arranged for an additional fee.

Join us for a focused exploration of teapot crafting this Easter. Reserve your spot now for a workshop that emphasises technique, thoughtful design, and the pursuit of craftsmanship.

*Please note –

• Chris will be teaching wheel thrown teapot skills only. Participants should have more than introductory wheel skills to get the most from this course.
• We recommend that you bring a foam broccoli style box with a lid to keep your pieces in and also to transport leather hard pots home if not being fired at Canberra Potters. You can often get these from fruit and veg shops or fish shops for free.

Chris Harford - Click here to learn more about Chris

Chris Harford is a full-time ceramic artist, known for his refined tableware and teapots, and has been a professional potter for 37 years. High-fired stoneware and porcelain functional work has always been a major focus of his practice. Currently he designs and makes contemporary tableware for several prestigious Canberra restaurants, dinner sets for private clients, commissions and pieces for exhibition.

International commissions include a breakfast buffet setting for the Hyatt in NZ and a wall mural in County Wexford Ireland. Locally, notable commissions include a 12 person dinner setting for the Swiss Ambassador and a platter presented to Sir William Deane on his retirement from his position as Governor General of Australia. Harford has been the recipient of many national awards, particularly in his speciality of teapots.

His work is represented in public and private collections in Australia and overseas. He has conducted more than 50 workshops nationally, in Britain, Ireland and New Zealand.