Take part in a variety of Raku techniques under the guidance of a practitioner with over ten years of experience, focusing on the modern, Western-style of Raku that never fails to delight with all its drama of smoke, fire, beautiful coppery glazes and blackened clay surfaces. Handmade pots will be available for decoration using a variety of techniques including copper lustre glazing, the ‘Naked Raku’ slip-resist process, and the ‘horsehair’ technique, followed by multiple firings to over 1000 C in the Raku kiln. Once glowing red-hot, pots are placed into beds of combustible materials to produce brilliant metallic effects or, in the case of the horsehair technique, left to cool in the open air as combustible materials such as horsehair, feathers, and sugar are brushed, draped and scattered onto the surface, leaving delicate traces as they burn away. Due to the rapid nature of Raku firing, pots are available to take home immediately.

All materials and equipment are provided. Participants are welcome to bring their own lunch, or nearby options can be given on the day. Suitable clothing is advised: full cover of arms and legs and sturdy, full-cover footwear (no open toes). Please be aware that Raku firing involves very high temperatures, flames and smoke, and will be conducted in a covered outdoor space, so please dress accordingly for the weather. Class capacity is limited to 8 participants to ensure that ample individual attention and kiln space can be given.

To ensure the safety and enjoyability of the course for everyone involved, a full health and safety briefing will be given before ignition of the kiln, which participants will be required to comply with throughout firings.

Please ensure that a valid email address is provided when booking, as this will be used to confirm the booking and to provide updates ahead of the course if necessary. If you don’t receive a confirmation email upon booking please check your spam/junk folder. Please refer to the Location and Policies pages before making a booking.