Raku workshop

About this class

Embrace the magic and spontaneity of Raku firing on our one-day workshop that includes a delicious vegetarian lunch. With its dramatic mix of earth, fire, air and water, Raku firing is an exciting approach to pottery, with quick results - you'll be taking your finished pots away with you at the end of the workshop! In Raku, pottery is decorated with a combination of special oxides, slips and/or glazes. The pots are removed from the gas fired kiln when red hot and cooled rapidly to create a surprising variety of results depending on the next step. During the day you will have the opportunity to fire four bisque pots. Some will be placed into a metal reduction chamber filled with a nest of combustible materials, usually wood shavings and shredded paper to produce lustrous copper, blue and green finishes, plus the characteristic crazed surfaces, depending on your selected glazes. Colours and effects can be dramatic and beautiful, and you’re never sure what’s going to happen! You'll also be able to try Naked Raku where we will be heating the pots up in the kiln, and then removing them at around 700 degrees before burning items such as horse hair, feathers and sugar onto the white slipped surface to create wonderful organic patterns. No previous pottery experience is necessary to take part, we have a lovely selection of studio thrown bisque-fired pots available to purchase at £4 each. Current ESP students and members will be advised on the most suitable of their existing work to fire, but are also welcome to purchase our pre-made pots. If you are an independent potter, not currently at the studio, we recommend pieces no larger than 15cm in diameter and 20cm tall, smaller if possible. We can't manage very small pieces or anything flat, such as jewellery or tiles - generally nothing smaller than an egg cup with a foot! Any grogged clay that resists thermal shock is suitable. Your pieces need to be robust enough to withstand the rapid temperature changes of the Raku firing process. There are never any guarantees with Raku, but thin work and work with joins is more prone to cracking during the process. Please wear old clothes or bring a cotton apron, and sensible shoes. We have a tea chalet and shelter but will be working outside most of the day, so dress for the weather. £130 including lunch and refreshments Please let us know ahead of the day if you have any special dietary requirements