Hull Ceramics Learners Travel to Athens for Overseas Learning Experience

Ceramics learners from Hull have begun a two-week international work experience placement in Greece, funded through the UK Government’s Turing Scheme.

The placement will see learners gaining hands-on experience, exploring traditional and contemporary ceramic techniques, and working alongside local makers, while documenting their journey and learning throughout the visit.

Homeward Bound

It’s hard to believe they’ve reached the end of their time in Athens. Over the final weekend, the team made the most of every last moment — wandering through the city’s beautiful streets, revisiting favourite spots, and soaking up the February sunshine.

There was a real mix of emotions about the return to Hull, and a little sadness too about leaving such an incredible experience behind.

Athens has given them memories they won’t forget in a hurry.

Celebrating Our Ceramics Work Experience Learners’ Final Day in the Studio

Today marks the final day in the studio for our ceramics work experience placement learners — and what an incredible journey it has been. The groups have absolutely loved their time working hands‑on with clay, developing new skills, and learning from their tutors, Maralin, and Marialena whose expertise, patience and passion have truly inspired them.

Across their placement, the learners have thrown themselves into every task, embraced challenges, and discovered new talents along the way. Their enthusiasm has brought so much energy into the studio, and their appreciation for Maralin’s knowledge and guidance has been clear from day one.

A Reflection from Theresa Rowland, Vocational Pathways Manager:

Our two weeks in Athens have been nothing short of extraordinary. Immersed in a city rich with history, creativity and warmth, we’ve had the privilege of learning to throw and hand‑build in a place where craftsmanship has been cherished for thousands of years. Each day brought new challenges, new discoveries, and new reasons to fall in love with ceramics all over again.

Exploring ancient sites — standing where philosophers taught, artists created, and civilisations rose — added a depth to our learning that we could never have imagined. It grounded our practice in tradition and reminded us that our craft is part of a much larger story.

One of the greatest gifts of this experience has been the people we’ve met along the way. From skilled makers who generously shared their expertise to the locals who welcomed us so warmly, every encounter enriched our journey. Their passion and openness inspired our students and encouraged them to push their creativity further.

Watching our students grow has been a highlight in itself. They’ve developed not only their ceramic techniques but also their confidence, teamwork and resilience. They have supported one another, celebrated each other’s successes, and embraced every opportunity with enthusiasm. As a group, they’ve become stronger, more connected and more inspired.

The memories we’ve created — the laughter in the studio, the awe of standing at the Acropolis, the shared meals, the clay‑covered hands — will stay with us for a long time. The skills we’ve learned will continue to shape our practice long after we leave Athens.

A huge thank you goes to Marialena at Katokosmos Studio and Maralin from Daily Poettry. Both artists have been incredibly accommodating, supportive and generous with their time and expertise throughout our time in Athens. Their warm welcome, guidance and encouragement created an inspiring environment for our learners to explore, experiment and grow in their ceramic practice. We are deeply grateful for their hospitality and the creativity they helped unlock within our groups.

Today, our Group One learners continued exploring Cycladic art, taking inspiration from its distinctive shapes and minimalist style before creating their own pieces in the studio. It was a great mix of learning, creativity and hands‑on making, with learners enjoying the chance to experiment and build new skills. More updates on learner projects coming soon! 

Yoga to Work Mode - Learners Warm Up for a Packed Day on Placement

Group one enjoyed a relaxing yoga session in their studio this morning, a gentle chance to stretch, unwind and get into a calm, focused headspace for the day. The mix of movement and mindful breathing brought plenty of smiles and a lovely sense of team spirit, leaving everyone energised and ready for the day.

After their peaceful start, the learners headed straight back to creating and shaping their commissioned ceramic pieces, working with fresh focus and creativity.

They finished the day with an evening of sightseeing. 

A simple, calm and creative Day 10!

Development and Discovery

Today the groups picked up right where they left off, continuing with yesterday’s hands-on work and building on the skills they’ve already started to develop. The learning then moved beyond the classroom with an exciting visit to the National Archaeology Museum, where the group had the chance to explore real artefacts, and bring their studies to life.

A New Week in the Ceramics Studios

It’s a new week for our Ceramics work placement learners in Athens, Greece, and today they’re back in their studios. Our Group One learners are beginning work on production pieces for a gallery.

The learners are creating Greek pot‑shaped back plates using templates they have designed themselves. They’ll be throwing cylinders and carefully attaching them to the plates, developing both technical skill and precision.

Alongside this, they’re also producing small ceramic shapes for fridge magnets. This work forms part of a production order for a gallery, giving learners valuable real‑world experience of working to a brief and deadline.

Experiencing Greece Beyond the Classroom

After a busy week in the studios, the weekend gave our learners and HTAE tutors a well‑earned chance to explore Athens and experience the city beyond their work placements. So far, the trip has been an incredible mix of flavours, colours, creativity and culture, all matched by the warmth and friendliness of the local people they’ve met.

On Saturday, the group made the most of their free time by hopping on and off buses along the coast, taking in views of yacht‑filled marinas and residential neighbourhoods. The day included a refreshing swim at the beautiful Lake Vouliagmeni, located around 9 km from Glyfada on the Athenian Riviera. The lake is a renowned natural, brackish‑water thermal spa and a popular spot for both locals and visitors. Later, a wander through central Athens and a visit to the flea market revealed a fascinating blend of old and new, from traditional architecture and giant ceramic pots to bold modern graffiti and quirky hidden gems.

Sunday was all about discovering more of the city. A bus tour around central Athens led to another bustling flea market, packed with everything from vintage chairs and enamelled ornaments to bronze sculptures. Learners soaked up the contrasts of the city, admiring historic buildings alongside vibrant street art that gives Athens its unique energy.

Food has been a highlight throughout the week, with everyone enjoying the chance to try new flavours, including chicken souvlaki, tapas and vegetarian lasagne, and really experiencing the variety Greece has to offer.

It was a brilliant weekend of exploration and shared experiences, with even more to look forward to in the week ahead as creative learning continues.

Koukaki Market Visit and Mastering Greek Pottery Techniques

The team started the day with a visit to the local weekly fresh fruit and vegetable market in Koukaki, soaking up the sights, sounds and flavours of the area.

Back in the studio, Group One focused on copying traditional Greek shapes and forms, throwing small miniature vases and amphorae, and completing their Cycladic features. Group Two continued developing their throwing and hand‑building skills, building confidence and refining techniques.

Reflecting on the experience so far, learners said -

“The entire experience has been an amazing mix of flavours, cultures, colour, creativity and friendly people. It’s been an amazing few days.”

Clay, Coffee and Sweet Ice Cream!

The morning began with a short walk in the rain, followed by coffee and tea at a small local café and bakery.;

Another busy and creative day followed in the studios. The first group spent the session throwing on the wheel and hand-building, while the second group carved Cycladic-inspired figurines from clay - simple, pared-back forms based on ancient Greek pieces originally made in terracotta and marble.

After the studio sessions, the group sampled locally made ice cream, which was, by all accounts, very, very sweet!

Tomorrow’s plan includes throwing small, miniature vases and amphorae inspired by Greek shapes and forms, alongside finishing the Cycladic features.

Today the groups returned to their studios, working in the same locations as yesterday.

Group One are back at Daily Poettry in Koukaki, continuing work on their sculptures. They’re finishing their reliefs (carving designs directly into solid blocks of clay) and beginning new pieces inspired by Cycladic art, creating simple animal and human forms based on ancient Greek styles.

The groups have been soaking up the surroundings too, describing roads lined with orange and lemon trees as 'absolutely stunning'. They’ve also made friends with the local community cats and dogs!

Group Two returned to Katokosmos Studio in Kosmos, focusing on both hand-building techniques and wheel throwing, continuing to develop their skills and confidence with clay.

This evening, the whole team will be heading to the National Gallery via the metro, rounding off the day by taking in even more culture and inspiration.

On the move…

Our learners were on the move today as their overseas learning adventure in Athens, Greece got underway.

This morning, learners boarded the metro to begin their creative journeys. One group spent the day at Daily Poettry in Koukaki (according to the owner, it’s a combination of pottery and poetry!), learning a range of sculptural techniques. Meanwhile, the second group visited Katokosmos Studio in Kosmos, where they explored throwing techniques and carved pots.

The groups also took time to walk around the local community, observing the architecture dotted between more prominent apartment buildings constructed during the 1960s and 1980s to accommodate the influx of people into the city.

A fantastic start to an inspiring international experience.

And they’re off…

Our Hull Ceramics learners have officially embarked on their overseas learning adventure and are heading to Athens, Greece, for a two‑week international work experience placement.

Today, they boarded their flight - and over the next two weeks we’ll be following their journey as it unfolds, sharing their experiences, learning, and discoveries from this once‑in‑a‑lifetime opportunity.