Introduction to Glazes and Atmospheric Firing

Dates: Wednesday 24 – Friday 26 March 2027

Times: Teaching starts at 10am and finishes around 4pm. The shared artist studio and library is available 24/7 for use after teaching finishes.

Cost: £400 (includes tuition, materials, consumables, firing and accommodation)

Places: 6 (Beginner+ – no experience required)

Access information is at the bottom of this page.

In this course, participants will be introduced to the vast world of glazing and atmospheric firing. Aimed at those who are newer to the glazing process, participants will be supported in exploring different methods for applying glazes to their bisqueware using SSW’s in house glaze stock. Participants will also get the chance to develop their own glaze mix for electric firing at stoneware temperatures (high firing).

There will also be the opportunity to glaze and decorate bisque fired work and prepare it for a range of low fire temperature techniques. This will include pitfiring to achieve a variety of smoke effects and on the final day we will learn how to pack and fire a gas fueled kiln for the raku process. Raku firing is a rapid, smoky and hands-on firing process that produces unique and lustrous glaze effects. Together we will experience its spontaneity, elemental feel and dramatic transformation.

By the end of the course you will have some test tiles of glazes and knowledge of firing methods to take away with you for future reference and experimentation. Across the three days, we will have multiple firings and participants are welcome to bring along pots and sculptures to glaze. However, please note that these will be fired depending on what space is available in the kiln and priority given to test tiles.

All materials and tools will be provided. A full induction to the workshop will take place at the start of the course, no previous experience is necessary. Participants on this course are required to bring a range of bisque fired pieces to experiment with. You are encouraged to bring self supporting/standing test tiles (for example T shaped tiles or small tumblers). The highest we will be firing to is Cone 6/1243 degrees celsius so make sure your clay is suitable for this temperature. A white stoneware is great for seeing how certain glazes and smoke effects react, but you are welcome to bring a range of clays to experiment with. As the raku process is quite volatile and involves thermal shock, it is recommended that the clay contains grog, but this is not essential.