Saggar Barrel Firing
Join us for a fun, two-part alternative firing experience!
Prepare pots in a clay-lined saggar before loading and igniting the barrel firing. Return the next afternoon to lift your pots from the cooled ashes, unwrap then polish to reveal their overnight transformation.
A perfect experience for anyone who likes fire, fun and a little jeopardy!
YOUR TUTOR: Helen Ashton
Helen’s love for ceramics grew whilst assisting with children’s classes at Eunice’s first studio, and she has taught at The Clay Studio since its conception in 2016. Her own work is inspired by diverse local landscapes and natural textures. With over a decade of experience in alternative outdoor firing techniques, she enjoys her passion for Raku and Obvara ceramics.
Saggars were originally used many centuries ago in China. Made from clay, they protected fine porcelain wares from direct flames during firing, preventing blemishes from wood and ashes falling onto the glazed surfaces.
Today, ceramicists still often use saggars to give individual pots their own environments within a kiln. Combustible materials placed inside are in direct contact with the surface of the vessel encased in its clay and foil wrapper.
The finished pots have unique and striking markings, distinctive and gentle, with layered moments of warm earthy tones. The outcome cannot be predicted but with the blessing of the fire gods we can provide a little nudge with our choices of combustibles!
THE FRIDAY EVENING SESSION
We will make our own clay saggars around each pot; adding oxides, salts, sawdust and other combustible materials to the pot’s surface. Save your banana skins, seaweed, string or coffee grounds as they can all go in.
While the firing is underway we will enjoy a pizza supper and beverages in the courtyard on this Summer’s evening.
Those attending can bring their own bisqueware (maximum of two pieces, dimensions no more than 12cm x 15cm). It is recommended that these are made with strong white bodied clay. Lightly burnishing prior to bisque firing can also sometimes enhance the finish, as can the addition of terra sigillata.
A selection of pots will be available to buy from the studio (at £10 per item) for participants who are not bringing their own bisqued work.
THE SATURDAY SESSION
We will find our saggar parcels amongst the now cooled barrel fire ashes, carefully unwrapping them to reveal the magic. Then give the finished pieces a polish to bring out the accents further and discuss the results over a coffee or tea, and cake.
FURTHER DETAILS
We recommend wearing full-length trousers, long-sleeves and closed toe shoes. Safety goggles, gauntlets and tongs are provided. A full health and safety guide will be given.
The workshop price includes the supper, beverages and refreshments.
For current students, please note that any items you make in the studio for this firing workshop will still need to be weighed and will be charged at 50p per 100g to cover the cost of the clay and bisque firing.