Julia Ellen Lancaster Pottery Course

We’re super happy to welcome potter and member of the Royal Society of Sculptors, Julia Ellen Lancaster, to lead this inspiring and playful ceramic retreat. With a warm, approachable teaching style, Julia creates a space where creativity comes first—no previous experience is needed, just curiosity and a willingness to experiment with clay.

Known for her intuitive, expressive, and vibrant work, Julia brings a wealth of international experience, having studied at the Royal College of Art and undertaken prestigious residencies with Leach Pottery in the UK and the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology in Australia. Her practice embraces reclaimed materials and a spirit of exploration, which feeds directly into her teaching.

This retreat is all about hands-on, playful exploration & creative discovery, where you’ll explore hand building, and glazing in a relaxed and supportive environment. Julia’s friendly guidance encourages you to play, take creative risks, and develop your own ideas, making the experience both fun and deeply rewarding. Whether you’re completely new to ceramics or looking to refresh your approach, this is a unique opportunity to learn from a professional artist while enjoying a truly engaging and experimental creative journey

Learning directly from a professional artist whose work is exhibited internationally, Julia's teaching style encourages curiosity and confidence, making space for you to try new ideas, embrace imperfection, and develop your own unique creative voice.

Expect a hands-on, supportive atmosphere where experimentation is celebrated and creativity flows freely. Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to loosen up your practice, this retreat offers a rare opportunity to learn from an established sculptor while enjoying a fun, engaging, and deeply rewarding experience with clay.

Set in a beautiful riverside location surrounded by stunning landscape, The Mill offers the perfect setting to slow down and unwind. The airy, light-filled ceramic studio is an inspiring space to create.

Throughout your stay, you’ll be nourished with delicious, home-cooked Mediterranean-style meals, thoughtfully prepared to bring everyone together around the table—creating a warm, convivial atmosphere where you can truly switch off, focus on making and fully unwind. ( 2 evenings are kept free for the group to enjoy a meal out or prepare something simple in the kitchen.

What the course will include:

Set in an inspiring studio environment, this 7-night, 6-day pottery retreat led by a dedicated ceramic artist offers an immersive exploration of clay in all its forms.

The experience begins with an introduction to the tutor’s work, followed by hands-on sessions working with wet clay and developing personal ideas. Throughout the week, participants explore mark making, surface texture, shaping, and the creation of small sculptural pieces using pre-fired shards and wet clay, completed over two guided sessions. Additional techniques include making drip trays, optional throwing demonstrations, and opportunities to create both hand-built and wheel-thrown forms.

Guests will also enjoy a visit to a local Emmaus studio, as well as dedicated “playtime” sessions in the studio to experiment freely, load and fire kilns, and develop individual projects—including drawing with clay pigments.

Most meals are shared together at the mill, freshly prepared and served by Nathalie, featuring a daily selection of soups, meats, cheeses, breads, and quiches, with all meals included except for two evenings, allowing time to dine independently or explore locally.

- Accommodation at The Mill choose from one of our 7 private bedrooms
- Daily breakfast, lunch and 5 of your evening meals ( option to eat out or use the kitchen)
- Tea & coffee are available throughout your stay - serve yourself
- Use of all communal spaces, including gardens, terraces our salon with projector facilities for film nights, and our quiet wifi free Library, with plenty of books to inspire you during your stay
- There are local buses to if you want to visit Town of Millau - Market day is Friday Mornings
- Free Wifi
- Free on site parking
- Flights / travel to and from France
- Travel insurance (required)
- Optional excursions or meals out
- Materials beyond the basic supplies provided
- Alcohol other than wine with meals as included
- Our nearest airports are: Rodez 1hr 15, Beziers 1hr 20, Montpellier 1hr 30
- For trains & buses and more in-depth travel information, check out our How to get here page
- Arrival : 3pm - 6pm
  Depart: 10.30 am
- Unfortunately, due to the historic nature of the property built across four floors, we are unable to accommodate persons with mobility issues.
- Check our FAQ’s for all other information contact us.
Fees: starting at £1320.00 for 5 days (6 nights), including meals, accomodation, all tutored sessions and optional yoga. Please note that flexible payment options, such as Klarna, are available at checkout.
Book directly via Dialect Writers