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One day Barrel Firing course.

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.

​Decorate 3 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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Welcome tea, coffee, scones 9.30am

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Morning session starts 10am

A short introduction to Barrel firing. Through demonstrations, learn about pot preparation, terra sigillata and burnishing.

Decorate pots inspired by our local neolithic rock art using tape resist & oxide crayon.

Make simple foil saggars, choosing from a selection of different oxides & organics such as local seaweed and pine needles.

 

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 a field trip 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 refreshments, vegetarian lunch, all materials, including 3 pots (approx. 240ml) & field trip.

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£160 per person

Maximum class size 6

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​*Private group bookings up to 12 can be accommodated.

Alternative dates can also be offered.

Please email directly for your requirements.

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For dates & booking forms please click here

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*Extra pots can be purchased on the day or 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 bisque to no more than 1000oC. Unfired pots can be included but do carry a greater risk of breakage of course.

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Why not combine a barrel firing workshop with an Obvara or Smoke Firing class?

Check dates to extend your experience.​​

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