Description
3 Day Salt-Firing Masterclass with Kevin Millward (2nd, 3rd and 4th May)
Early Spring Bank Holiday (Saturday 2nd, Sunday 3rd, Monday 4th May)
9:30 – 4:30 at Clay College, Middleport Pottery
This three-day, intense workshop opens up the world of salt-firing, tracing its origins back to Germany, travelling across Europe and finding a home in the UK in the 18th century as a cost-effective way of glazing everyday ceramics.
The use of salt has become a much-loved process by studio potters in the 20th and 21st century, expanding its qualities in ever more creative ways by leading potters such as Walter Keeler.
Participants will be expected to bring biscuit-fired pots made with approved clay bodies and slips recommended by Clay College. Sizes and amounts will also be recommended.
We cannot guarantee all work will be able to be fired, but we will endeavour to be as fair as possible when packing the kiln.
DAY ONE
First day will be taken up by applying liner glazes and/or spraying engobes onto biscuit ware. Placing the pots into the kiln will involve glueing wads made from fire clay to prevent pots sticking to kiln shelves or lids sticking into pots. This procedure takes much longer than packing an ordinary kiln and could take all day.
Preparation of cone packs, batt washing kiln shelves and props.
Normally large pots will be placed at the top of the kiln. When kiln is fully loaded cones and draw rings (supplied by Clay College) are positioned. You will be instructed in bricking up the door and sealing with fireclay and sand mix. If time allows a pre-heat will take place before finishing for the day.
DAY TWO
Day two will be an early start. The kiln has two forced air natural gas burners, which provides a more efficient use of gas and a faster firing. We will run through safe use of gas and burners and the lighting of them. Delegates will have the opportunity to light a burner if they wish. The kiln is constructed from 28 grade HTI’s to optimise efficiency. All aspects of kiln design will be covered during the workshop. Reduction will hopefully start when the appropriate cone is down (approximately mid-morning). It is expected that the kiln will be ready for salting sometime late lunchtime.
Amount of salt and methods of delivery will be discussed and tested. Delegates will be responsible for delivering salt and drawing the rings. Health and safety gear will be provided. If anyone is unsure or not comfortable with close contact with the kiln no pressure will be applied. You only do what you are happy with. We have a rough idea what amount of salt is required for the size of kiln, but the final decision is with the delegates and the quality of the draw rings.
When all salt is delivered, the kiln firing will go into soak until all cones are down and all agree firing is to be called.
Kiln is sealed up, dampers closed, all gas burners and supply are made safe, kiln is left to cool.
DAY THREE
First thing in the morning, we will open dampers and burner ports and bungs removed to induce cooling by lunchtime, ready for unloading (if necessary, forced air will be turned on to force cool the kiln). While cooling, we will discuss history, trends, kiln building, as well as safety and environmental concerns.
After lunch – unpack kiln and discuss results, Q&A, and pack pots before concluding the masterclass.
Participants will be forwarded a technical pack prior to the masterclass with details of required materials etc.
Concessions tickets
Clay College offers a small selection of tickets at a reduced rate for early-career potters and those who otherwise could not afford to attend. Please only book tickets at this rate if you are unable to afford the full price. If you would like to book a concession ticket or if you are unsure of whether you are eligible, please contact us at contact@claycollegestoke.co.uk
