Leaving an established career as a sculpture in London, in 1974 Seth joined his father, Michael Cardew, at Wenford Bridge Pottery in Cornwall when he took to the potter’s wheel and came to appreciate the abstract shapes of the potter’s art. He established himself in yet another career which has included exhibiting, throwing and modeling clay into utilitarian shapes. Upon his father’s death in 1983, the teaching of pottery course transferred to Seth. Over the years, as a potter, he has lectured and given demonstrational tours in most of the English speaking nations. Many of Seth’s ceramic pieces are in permanent collections world wide including the V&A Museum, London. In the present, Spain and the courses at Albadas have become his main interest.

Tuition is centered on throwing, but is much more and very much tailored to individual needs and wishes. Each student will have his or her own wheel; clay and tools are provided. A wide range of pot making skills will be expounded. The basic thrown shapes of bowls, cylinders, mugs and covered pots are among course topics. Trimming, pulling handles and decorating with brushwork are also addressed. Seth will share his private philosophy of unity, honesty and simplicity in shape of form as well as the use of proportion and visual rhyme in decoration. All activities are aimed at cultivating self expression and creativity.

The aim is that students accomplish private goals, improve or overcome any weaknesses and progress in areas of private interest. New and exciting concepts and skills become accessible to each student regardless of his or her previous experience level.

General Information:  Teaching takes place daily from 10am until 2pm with a coffee/tea/juice break around noon.  The mid-day meal at 2:30 is a highlight in the day of any self respecting resident of Spain.  Most people want a siesta or even a good long sleep after lunch.  Not withstanding that fact, the pottery is open throughout the balance of the after noon and evening for the enthusiast.   Or the time can be used for exploring the awesome surroundings and the sea is only 35 minutes away. 

Accommodation:  The course week is designed to offer a true Spanish experience. Housing is on pottery grounds in a century old stone casa which has been carefully restored to maintain a balance between preserving original features and providing convenience and comfort. The cottage is available for rent when not being used by students and one can get a further idea of the house details and photos by clicking the "HOLIDAY COTTAGE" section of the web site.

Food & Fun:  Food is meant to be another very memorable part of the week and students are treated to many excellent traditional Mediterranean dishes either "at home" or often at local restaurants where meats are cooked over open fires and red wine is compris!

Breakfast daily is self serve from a full selection of continental, English and American favorites including breads, butter, jams, juices, fruits, yogurts, sausages, bacon, spanish ham, eggs, cereals, tea, and coffee.  If there's something missing, one has only to ask. 

Midmorning breaks offer beverages, goodies and a brief breather for those wishing it.

The evening meal is student’s own responsibility. The cottage has a fully equipped kitchen for student use and there are many good and inexpensive restaurants within 10 to 20 minutes of the pottery.

DAILY SCHEDULE

Scheduled courses: 2010

Sculpture Courses           Week beginning:    23 May  

Pottery Courses             Weeks beginnng:    25 April   9 May   11 July   19 Sept.  24 Oct.   

If there is sufficient interest, more sculpture courses will be added.  Contact scardew@aol.com for details.  Also contact us if you are interested in alternate dates for either course.

FEE 750 € euros per week (fee can also be paid in equivalent amount Dollars USA or English pounds sterling). Fee includes, Tuition, Breakfast, Tea Break and Lunches Monday through Friday, Saturday Breakfast and Accommodation.  Fully equiped kitchen is available at all times.

Student's work out to dry  view of pottery from student house

                                     

Courtyard at the Cardew home

            

Seth during cunstruction of his new Spanish kiln