Raku Taster – 6th July 2024

Setting up this morning, the weather was a bit windy, and we were worried about the kiln battling to reach temperature as she does not like too much of a breeze.  Our keen and eager students started arriving at 9.30am, just in time for a cuppa team before the safety briefing and talk about the history of Raku. Our RakuManiacs today ranged from a very excited and enthusiastic 11-year-old to an experienced potter with over 30 years pottery knowledge.  Everyone chose a horsehair and feather pot to fire, and the rest were made up of some pots for glazing and a few naked Raku pots (don’t worry we all kept our clothes on!).

The students finished decorating and glazing their pots before lunch and after eating their packed lunches, we fired up the kiln to much excitement. The weather improved and we had a great afternoon firing. We ended up doing 3 firings and the star pots for today were the naked raku. They all came out so well with nice big crackles and with good, burnished pots to start with (thanks to Karen), we ended up with some really shiny shop worthy pots.

All in all, it was a fabulous day with really friendly, enthusiastic and happy students. All the pots came out very well and everyone went home with a smile on their face, some stunning pots for the mantelpiece and the promise to come back for more.   

We love the fact that someone can arrive with no Raku experience at all and go home 6 hours later with pots to be proud of.

RG – Best day ever. Thank you so much for such a brilliant experience

J – Great day learning something new! Thank you so much for a fab experience

EM – Thanks, had a fantastic day – will be back ! Thank you both Adrian and Karen

JL – Quite the most brilliant experience. Many thanks

MB – Absolutely wonderful day. Thank you so much. We will be back for more !!