This workshop introduced four students to the intricate art of throwing lids and their matching galleries. We explored a range of lid types and how they are thrown on the wheel. The galleries, flanges and knobs that are required to make the lid function were all demonstrated.
We also looked at a sample of other potter’s work to see the solutions others have tried to integrate a lid into a form. Understanding the balance between functionality and aesthetics, between the practical and the decorative requires a experimentation and a critical eye.
Throwing on the Leach treadle wheel and off the hump proved a new experience for some, as did the trick of using dental-floss to cut off the finished lid from the hump. We had two studio clays available for students to try – the 10% and 25% mixes, which showed how different clays can influence the way you throw.