The aim is to encourage you to work creatively and sustainably with clay, working with expressive throwing or handbuilding, or a combination of techniques, to explore the vessel form. You will understand building skills and the materials required to build a cost efficient kiln, capable of being fired on reclaimed wood. This course will demystify the practice of kiln design and construction, and will explore kiln design options. You will also develop an understanding of how to efficiently pack a small kiln for any type of firing and how to fire a small woodfired kiln upto high earthenware temperatures.

Objectives:

• Use earthenware clay to make a small body of vessel-based work that reflects the malleability of the materials (up to three pieces per person, depending on size, will be selected to fire)
• Build a small cross-draft, wood-fired kiln using readily available materials (fire brick, kiln shelves, etc.), which could easily be built in a garden or similar space. Discuss budgeting and the pros and cons of differing kiln designs.
• Learn how to fire the kiln. Work will be once fired so the firing will incorporate bisque firing techniques, as well as how to fire the kiln in oxidation and/or reduction atmospheres.

Outcomes:

• Confidence to explore working with clay in an expressive gestural manner
• Confidence and understanding to build a kiln
• Finish successfully fired work

Immersive Art School Week
This course is part of our ‘Immersive Art School’ group of short courses for summer 2026, led by talented artist-tutors.

• Tim Johnson (basketry)
• James Hunting (Textiles/mentoring)
• Jane Fox and Jane Sampson (printmaking)
• Louise Rainbow (drawing and painting)
• Ben Brierley (ceramics)
• Rachel Johnston (woven tapestry)
• John Mosse (Damascus steel)

There will be tutor talks on Tuesday evening from 5:15 to 6.15pm in The Old Library as part of the course. Studio visits are encouraged to share work and experiences (out of core teaching hours).

PLEASE NOTE: Building and firing the wood-fired kiln is a very physical activity, and all students are expected to help with this part of the process. It may involve an early start or evening finish. Also, the course takes place on two sites: the ceramics studio in the main building for making, and the firing in the Sculpture Courtyard, a 10 minute walk across the gardens. It will involve walking back and forth to the kiln site and standing around. Alternatively, you may drive your car around to the Sculpture Courtyard, if you prefer.

Included

On this course the College will supply red terracotta clay, slips, glaze and firing wood, which are included in the course fee.

What students need to bring

• Ideas, questions, enthusiasm!
• Strong gloves for handling bricks and wood (and welding gloves if you have them)
• Dark sunglasses may be useful when firing
• Clothing suitable for firing a kiln during the day and evening
• Suitable clothing of cotton materials for the kiln building and firing (not manmade fabrics) is ESSENTIAL, i.e. long trousers/jeans/long-sleeved tops and sturdy covered shoes/walking boots and waterproofs
• Any of your own special tools you particularly like to use (pottery tools, pottery knife) – basic tool kits are provided in the pottery for use on the course
• An apron
• A torch
• Raku tongs are provided but extra tongs are always useful if you have any you like to use
• Cardboard boxes and wrapping/packaging for moving your pots and taking pots home
• Clean plastic shopping bags

Available to buy

Available from shop:

• Pottery tools, pottery knife (basic tool kits are provided in the pottery for use on the course)
• Rough paper, notebook, or sketch pad and pencil
• Wood or plastic ruler

Additional information

Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes).

Arrival day - first date of course
Residential students can arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm for registration  
Student welcome, followed by dinner: 6.45pm (dinner included)
Teaching session: 8pm-9pm (attendance is essential)

Daily timetable
Course teaching: 9.15am-5pm  
Morning session: 9.15am-12.45pm including coffee/tea break  
Lunch break: 12.45pm-2pm (lunch included)  
Afternoon session: 2pm-5pm including coffee/tea break  
Teaching finishes: 5pm    
Evening working: students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with permission from the tutor and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed.

Departure day - last date of course
Course teaching: 9.15am-3pm (lunch included)  
Teaching finishes: 3pm  

Residential students will need to check out of rooms by 10am.
Please note, the tutor may make slight variations to the daily timetable as required.

Terms & Conditions