COURSES

Terms&Conditions



By purchasing our courses you are agreeing to the terms, conditions and guidelines set out in this document.

COURSE OVERVIEW:

  1. Arrival up to 10 minutes prior to allocated course time.
  2. 15-20 mins introduction/lecture on the weeks theory and demonstration given by tutor.
  3. Remaining time to make based on that week’s theme and practical demonstration.
  4. Packing up begins 10 minutes prior to the end of the session to allow time to label and store your work & clean your tools and workspace with sponge and water.
Makers should arrive on time to the course. The class cannot wait for any late arrivals and you may miss crucial steps at the beginning. Each maker is in charge of cleaning their own area and tools 10-15 minutes before the end of each session.

MATERIALS & WHAT TO WEAR:

Each class will be fully stocked with all the materials and tools needed for the week. All clay, glazes and firings are included within the cost of the course.

Please bring your own sketchbook and drawing/writing materials for note taking and design sketching.

While the majority of clay can easily be washed out of your clothing, working with terracotta and deeper colours can leave stains. Please come dressed in clothing you do not mind getting dirty and can easily be put through the washing machine. We will provide each maker with an apron for their use during the session. 

VENUE:


Decima Borough
1-5 Newington Causeway
SE1 6ED


FIRED WORKS PICK-UP/DELIVERY:

Your completed work will be ready for collection following from the last session and after it is fired. You will be given several pickup slot options during that final week. We will provide sustainable bubble wrap options but please bring bags or boxes for transportation. Each student is responsible for packing their own work.

We also offer the option for posting your works within the UK with an added cost of £25.00 to be made upfront. While we will take care in packaging your works responsibly we are not liable for any breakages or losses that may occur in the postage process.

Any works abandoned for more than 2 weeks after the agreed pick up slots date will get destroyed and recycled.

Read about collecting work HERE.



FIRINGS AND DAMAGED WORK:

Due to the nature of clay and ceramics there are many reasons why work may crack before, during or after a firing. Drying time, types of clay, air bubbles and how work is built are some of the main causes of cracking; this is something that we cannot control.

We are not responsible for variations of glaze finish and any damaged work between loading or in the kiln. While we take care to prevent this from happening, unfortunately accidents can happen. Due to the delicate and uncertain nature of ceramics, you will not be eligible for any refund in the aforementioned circumstances.

REFUNDS:

Refunds are only available  2 weeks prior to the course start date.

In the event when you find out that you are unable to attend the course less than 2 weeks  prior to the course start date, kindly inform us promptly so that we can help you. We will make every effort to find a replacement attendee for your reserved spot. If a suitable replacement is found, we will provide you with a credit note for the amount paid for your booking. However, if no one else books your place, we regret that we will be unable to issue a credit note.

MISSING A CLASS:


Missing a class during the course period is not a problem, but we encourage you to attend the designated number of sessions for optimal program results. We aren’t able to offer refunds for the missed classes or to book you to another course.
We acknowledge that you may have prior commitments throughout the course duration, and your tutor will make sure you receive a comprehensive catch-up on any missed material upon your return. However, please note that the final session, focused on glazing, cannot be made up. If you are unable to attend, you will have to book the Drop-In session to glaze your work. 


GENERAL HEALTH & SAFETY:

Decima Clay shall not be held responsible in the event of an injury caused in the premises and/or student(s) failure to adhere to the safety guidelines.

Should any repairs be the result of any student(s) conduct and/or failure to adhere to the safety guidelines they may be liable for associated costs.

SAFETY GUIDELINES:

Clay, glazes and other materials found within a ceramic studio contain Silica which is a harmful substance. When clay dries out, dust can form and become airborne causing you to breathe it into your lungs which cannot filter it out. Long term exposure to this dust can result in Silicosis and other associated lung diseases.

Here is what to do to minimise exposure:
  • Clean your work area with water at the end of your session. This includes tools and equipment, tables, walls and floor.
  • Do not create dust: do not sand dry clay – use a wet sponge. If you have to sand bisque ware or plaster use wet-and-dry sand paper and lots of water (immerse object in the bucket filled with water).
  • Never sweep the studio. Use the bucket and the mop and change the water frequently.
  • Do not dry fettle - fettling is when you tidy up pieces by shaving or trimming off excess clay with a grater, metal kidney, metal tool etc. Only fettle clay when it is leather hard. If your piece is bone dry and you really want to neaten it up, use a damp sponge.
  • If you’re using dry materials (e.g. powdered oxides, dry glaze materials etc.) please ensure the windows are open and you or anyone else who is around you in the studio while you’re using them are wearing respirators with particulate filters.

Other health and safety notes in the studio:
  • All glazes in the studio are safe to the best of current knowledge and do not contain lead or barium. Please read the list of ingredients when purchasing ceramic glazes or colourants.
  • Do not load/unload/operate or remove anything from the kilns. A technician will do this. Please also ensure you don't leave anything around or on the kiln.
  • Do not operate any of the machines in the studio without the supervision of the technician on duty or without a proper induction.
  • Ensure that the floorway and routes to the fire exit are not cluttered - keep a tidy workspace.
  • Use a trolley to move heavy objects and materials.
  • In case of an accident please inform the teacher/technician on duty.


CHANGES:

We may, at our discretion, review and amend our terms and conditions at any time. In the event of this, we will send an updated copy to all existing makers and upload it to our website.





©2021
DECIMA CLAY STUDIO
©2021