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An Evening of Raku Firing!
An Evening of Raku Firing!
An Evening of Raku Firing!
An Evening of Raku Firing!
An Evening of Raku Firing!
An Evening of Raku Firing!
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An Evening of Raku Firing!

By Ravn Clay

5.0(46)
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Highlights

  • Delivered In-Person

  • 3 hours

  • All levels

Description

Stoneware Pottery Workshop in Northumberland

Join us in sunny Northumberland for an evening of ancient and exciting pottery!

Raku is an ancient Japanese technique of firing pots, where the pieces are removed from the kiln red-hot, before being rapidly cooled either with or without combustibles (such as wood shavings) and sometimes in a reduction chamber (limiting access to oxygen so that the glazes do weird, wonderful and unpredictable things).

We will provide you with up to three biscuit fired forms, and following a brief introduction (and safety talk) you will glaze and fire the pots using our Raku Kiln. This firing technique comes with a good deal of drama and jeopardy, and means that unlike our usual firings, you should have a glazed pot to wow your friends in approximately twenty minutes! The firing will happen outside in all weathers, the glazing can be done indoors, so please bring suitable clothing.

Raku firing is brilliant for celebrating the science and mystery of glazing. It gives potters a chance to embrace the chaos and violence of rapid firing and cooling, producing pots that are unique and individual, and usually stunning. Some pots can even be fired without glaze, and then combustible materials such as feathers or horse hair draped or dragged across the surface producing carbonised, smoky abstract designs. This is known as Naked Raku!

The number of participants for each workshop is limited to six, to allow equal access to support, tools and tuition. It is also vitally important that instructions and safety guidalines are strictly followed. Anyone under the age of 16 needs to be accompanied by a responsible adult for the duration of the workshop.

A word of warning - the kiln Gods can be fickle, and despite doing everything possible, some pieces will fail, crack or blow up (!) in the kiln. There are no guarantees in pottery, not even for seasoned potters. A second word of warning - working with pottery can be hugely addictive. You have been warned!

The new Ford Studio is housed in the old Reading Rooms - you will find it just up the road from Lady Waterford Hall. Nearby are many attractions and places to walk, shop and eat; how about a near by Narrow-guage Railway (that runs to Etal Castle and back), a working flour mill, a Village Shop & Tearoom, a heavy horse centre, a micro-brewery, or a Riverside cafe? 

https://w3w.co/lobster.rapid.clinking

TD15 2QG

Please note - access to the studio is only via a set of external stone steps, and there is a single toilet available on site.

And finally - There is ample free parking in Ford and the studio is just up the road from Lady Waterford Hall. Ravn Clay sits at the heart of the Estate, which also offers camping, glamping, B&Bs and guests houses. And there’s plenty more to do and see while you are here - 

  • Ford Tearooms & Post Office

  • Heatherslaw Light Railway

  • Etal Castle (English Heritage)

  • Heatherslaw Mill

  • Hay Farm Heavy Horse Centre

  • Lady Waterford Hall

  • Flodden Battlefield

  • Loads of little eateries, pubs and shops etc

  • Spectacular scenery, walking and countryside

See www.ford-and-etal.co.uk for more details

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the studio like?

    The workshop will take place in the Studio, which is a space fully open to the public. Please note there is no secure storage for personal belongings, and I accept no responsibility for loss or damage to items brought on site. 

  • What do I need to do or bring?

    This is a working studio - which means you need to prepare and act accordingly. Please wear appropriate clothing (its a messy clay day - an old over-sized shirt makes an ideal coverall) that you don’t mind getting muddy, and bring enough layers to keep you warm. It can be easier when working with clay to have short nails (but it's not essential) and please consider removing chunky/precious rings and jewellery that could either get damaged or spoil your pottery. Please follow all instructions as the studio contains materials that can be harmful if ingested etc. 

  • Is the workshop accessible to a wheelchair?

    There are a set of steps up to the workshop with a single handrail. Currently there is no lift or ramp available I'm afraid. 

  • Is there a toilet on site?

    There is a single toilet on site accessible via the back stairs or kiln room. 

  • How kid-friendly are your pottery workshops?

    Having a background as a primary school teacher means I am very comfortable teaching young people the basics of pottery. Although we do use some pottery tools which can be sharp, each session begins with a Health and Safety briefing about using equipment in the correct way. Similarly, young people need to understand that some materials used in pottery can cause harm, but access to any such materials (specifically glazes etc) is restricted. 

    Some of the workshops we deliver are specifically tailored to younger potters or families, but you know your child best and I'm reluctant to give strict guidance about what age groups can do what activities. If they are able to follow simple instructions, have reasonable motor skills, and some patience, they should be fine. 

  • Can I leave my child with you while I go for a lovely Coffee?

    Put bluntly, no. Although I have a basic DBS check, Ravn Clay is not a child-minding service. Anyone under the age of sixteen attending a workshop needs to have a responsible adult in attendance too. This could be as a participant, or as a non-participating helper, or as an adult sat atthe back enjoying a delicious Boes take-out coffee. 

  • Is it true you have a pottery dog?

    I do have a dog that is with me at the pottery pretty much full time. She is a young patterdale terrier, and as she is still a puppy, she can be a little over-enthusiastic and friendly. If you have an aversion to dog, or any issue regarding this, please contact me at keef@ravnclay.co.uk before attending the workshop. 

  • What does a typical workshop look and feel like?

    Workshops will begin promptly at the advertised times. You can arrive a little early to sort yourself out.

    Workshops offer you a chance to make whatever you like (unless you have booked for a specific making session like Monsters, Trees, Pumpkins or Sheep). This is a hand-building session, so we can look at thumb pots, coiling and slab building. 

    It would be helpful if you can have an idea of the sorts of things you might want to try before you arrive; look on-line for inspiration, bring some print-outs, or make sketches or notes of ideas. Being presented with a lump of clay can often be like being given a blank sheet of paper - so it's good to have an idea of what sort of things you might like to try. Realistically you should be able to make between one and three objects in the time we have - bearing in mind that one item of grace and finesse might be more satisfying than three rushed objects. If you struggle to come up with inspiration, don’t despair - the clay will lead the way. 

    After the workshop you will then leave your creations at the studio where they will be slowly dried, before being biscuit- and then glaze-fired. As such, you’ll need to make sure I know how you’d like the piece finishing. And of course, there are many stages in the process from mud to mug, and things can and will go wrong. I will do my best during your time in the studio and afterwards to make sure your creation(s) survive the 1223 degree centigrade heat - but even I have things that don’t make it out in one piece!

    You will be contacted when your work is ready to collect. If you need the work posting out to you, I will need to charge an additional £6 to cover packaging and second-class postage, so please make sure I have full postal details. 

  • Is the pottery a dafe environment?

    A pottery studio can be an inspiring but potentially dangerous workspace. Tools and materials need to be used with care and an awareness of the people around you. All instructions and guidance must be followed, and everyone has the right to be treated with courtesy, respect and patience during their time at the Studio. If you are bringing little ones with you, please make sure they understand the dangers and their responsibilities. Food and drink (beyond your own bottle of water) cannot be consumed in the studio at any time. 

    Anyone found to be repeatedly behaving in a way that impairs the enjoyment of any other participant, or acts in a manner that puts anyone at risk, will be asked to leave. [If in the unfortunate event that such conduct means that a workshop cannot proceed, all other participants will be offered a chance to re-book or given a full refund.]

    Covid-19 - we will operate in a manner that follows current guidance on social distancing etc.

    Ravn Clay has £5,000,000 Public and Products Liability Insurance. Keith Webster of Ravn Clay also holds a current Basic DBS Check for England & Wales.

  • Can we drink and eat at the studio?

    Eating and drinking in a working pottery is not recommended, but water bottles are usually fine. You are welcome to bring along picnics, brunches, flasks etc. and picnic in the grounds of the pottery. Ford does have a rather sweet Tea Room called at the Post Office that offers you a chance to stretch your legs, powder one’s nose and sample some delicious coffee and cake.

Dates

  • to
    No spaces left
    Delivered In-Person in Berwick-upon-Tweed
    £75
  • to
    No spaces left
    Delivered In-Person in Berwick-upon-Tweed
    £75

Location

13a Ford Village Ford Village, TD15 2QG, United Kingdom, Berwick-upon-Tweed

About The Provider

Ravn Clay
Ravn Clay
Berwick-upon-tweed
5.0(46)

Ravn Clay is a small studio pottery in north Northumberland. Opened in August 2021, it offers short, half and day courses in hand-building pottery, with an emphasis on wellbeing, enjoyment and creativity. The range of courses on offer is always evolving, with a growing communi...

Read more about Ravn Clay

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