Barrel Firing Workshop

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Learn to fire pottery without a kiln! Patricia will guide you through the process of barrel firing.

Suitable for potters and those with no pottery experience.

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Decorate your pots, provided by us* with designs inspired by neolithic rock art. Learn how to use oxides and organics to add colour. Experience packing and firing a metal barrel. Learn how to clean and seal your beautiful pots.

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*You are also welcome to bring your own pots. We will endeavour to add them to the firing, space permitting. Any clay is suitable but bisqued to no more than 900oC. Unfired pots can be included but do carry a greater risk of breakage of course.

 

Morning session, 10am start

A short introduction to Barrel firing. Learn about pot preparation, terra sigillata and burnishing.

Decorate pots inspired by our local neolithic rock art.

Make simple foil saggars, learning what colours you can achieve with different oxides and organics.

 

Health and safety and good practice around barrel firing.

Pack barrels. Learn how to layer fuel to achieve an even firing with maximum heat work.

How to tend to the firing to achieve a reducing atmosphere.

 

Lunch

Light vegetarian lunch provided with a chance to chat and browse books on alternative firing techniques.

As we wait for the barrels to burn out there is an opportunity to visit Ballintoy or The Boat House Gallery depending on the weather.

 

Afternoon session, finish 4pm

Unpack the barrels.

How to clean and seal pots.

Take your unique pots home!

 

This day course includes a vegetarian lunch, all materials, including 4 pots (approx. 240ml)

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£160 per person

Maximum class size 6

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