Potters' Raku Day - glazed Sat. 13/9/25

£150.00

I run raku firing days at Wooscombe Fields, a beautiful farm near Compton Dando, mid-way between Bristol and Bath.

Raku is known for its unpredictability and dramatic results - and it’s a lot of fun! Raku is a low-temperature firing technique that involves removing pottery from the kiln while it is still red-hot and subjecting it to rapid cooling and reduction, or to different methods of decorative technique.

This raku day is aimed at potters. Bring up to 3 of your bisqued pots to glaze and fire in the raku kiln. The maximum dimensions of your pot are 25cm high x 20cm wide.

Your pots can be in any clay that you choose, but a raku clay or a clay with a higher grog content will reduce the risk of cracks or breakages. All bare clay (with no glaze on) will end up a beautiful matt black, from the carbonisation process.

You will have the choice of a range of specialised raku glazes, to apply on the day. Several of these can produce a beautiful metallic finish after firing and reduction, but it should be noted that these can sometimes fade over time, as the glazes oxidise.

Raku fired ceramics are not food safe - partly because the micro-crackles in the glazes can trap germs and partly because the clay will not generally have been fired to its maturation temperature in the raku kiln. So bring your most beautiful decorative items!

After applying the glazes (using brushes), you will put your pot in the raku kiln and we will fire it up to approx. 1000C. You will take the pot out of the kiln, using long tongs, and place it on a sand bed, sprinkle with sawdust or paper, and cover with a metal container, to shut the air out. The pot then sits in reduction for a few minutes, before you will plunge it into cold water.

Hopefully, you can then marvel at the beautiful finish! It should be noted, however, that raku is a pretty violent process and the thermal shock can lead to cracks or breakages.

The day will begin at 10.30am and finish around 4pm. There is plenty of parking on site and there is a composting toilet a few minutes walk from the the raku area. A simple lunch of a homemade vegetarian soup, bread and cheese will be provided. If you have specific dietary requirements, please advise me via email (scarabpotsbristol@gmail.com). Tea and coffee will also be included.

All PPE safety gear will be provided. You should wear cotton/linen, as synthetic fibres can melt on the skin if they get hot. Long sleeves and long trousers are also needed. Long hair must be tied back and tucked out of the way. Closed shoes are essential please. We will be outside throughout the day.

I run raku firing days at Wooscombe Fields, a beautiful farm near Compton Dando, mid-way between Bristol and Bath.

Raku is known for its unpredictability and dramatic results - and it’s a lot of fun! Raku is a low-temperature firing technique that involves removing pottery from the kiln while it is still red-hot and subjecting it to rapid cooling and reduction, or to different methods of decorative technique.

This raku day is aimed at potters. Bring up to 3 of your bisqued pots to glaze and fire in the raku kiln. The maximum dimensions of your pot are 25cm high x 20cm wide.

Your pots can be in any clay that you choose, but a raku clay or a clay with a higher grog content will reduce the risk of cracks or breakages. All bare clay (with no glaze on) will end up a beautiful matt black, from the carbonisation process.

You will have the choice of a range of specialised raku glazes, to apply on the day. Several of these can produce a beautiful metallic finish after firing and reduction, but it should be noted that these can sometimes fade over time, as the glazes oxidise.

Raku fired ceramics are not food safe - partly because the micro-crackles in the glazes can trap germs and partly because the clay will not generally have been fired to its maturation temperature in the raku kiln. So bring your most beautiful decorative items!

After applying the glazes (using brushes), you will put your pot in the raku kiln and we will fire it up to approx. 1000C. You will take the pot out of the kiln, using long tongs, and place it on a sand bed, sprinkle with sawdust or paper, and cover with a metal container, to shut the air out. The pot then sits in reduction for a few minutes, before you will plunge it into cold water.

Hopefully, you can then marvel at the beautiful finish! It should be noted, however, that raku is a pretty violent process and the thermal shock can lead to cracks or breakages.

The day will begin at 10.30am and finish around 4pm. There is plenty of parking on site and there is a composting toilet a few minutes walk from the the raku area. A simple lunch of a homemade vegetarian soup, bread and cheese will be provided. If you have specific dietary requirements, please advise me via email (scarabpotsbristol@gmail.com). Tea and coffee will also be included.

All PPE safety gear will be provided. You should wear cotton/linen, as synthetic fibres can melt on the skin if they get hot. Long sleeves and long trousers are also needed. Long hair must be tied back and tucked out of the way. Closed shoes are essential please. We will be outside throughout the day.