A WORKSHOP at Castle HIll Pottery in Knucklas offers the opportunity for participants to discover the ancient technique of slipware carving, a tradition that has been used over the centuries for items such as harvest jugs, commemorative wares and tiles.

Tony Hall will make a jug and two practice tiles for slip carving, and he and Lois Hopwood with offer advice on designs. Biscuit-glaze firing of your work is included in the course fee.

For those who would like to have a go at throwing, there are two wheels available with tuition.

No experience in ceramics or pottery is necessary - just an interest in drawing, patterns or surface design. As in lino-cutting, slipware carving's pattern-forming process involves cutting to reveal the dark areas of the design. Experienced ceramacists and potters can explore this traditional technique and its application to their current practice.

Workshop tutors are Tony Hall, nationally renowned thrower of big pots, also a sculptor of national recognition who won the 2014 National Portrait Sculpture top award, and Lois Hopwood, well-known artist and draughtsperson, winner of the National ING Drawing Prize in 2013 with her own personal approach to slipware carving.

The workshop takes place at Castle HIll Pottery, Knucklas near Knighton on Saturay, February 20 from 10am to 4pm. To book, call 01547 529670 or email tonyhall1811@gmail.com.