Raku Taster – 8th September 2025

Its Monday morning, not our usual Raku day but we try spread them out to cater for as many students as possible. Today is also a first, equal numbers of males and females. Our classes tend to attract more ladies but all the chaps we have ever had, have all had a great time with a couple of them coming back.

Everyone arrived a little early (must been keen 😊), so Adrian did the tea round before starting the instructions. We print off name badges for everyone, so no embarrassment about forgetting someone’s name when they get too close to the kiln!! It’s great to hear where everyone has come from and their background (if any) to pottery. The great thing about our Raku Taster Day is that you don’t need any pottery experience and you don’t have to be artistic – Adrian is not hehehehe.

Adrian did his customary talk about pottery and types of clay. This was followed by a brief history of Raku and how it got to the UK. We chatted about the fact that Raku ware is not any good for functional use as the clay does not vitrify and the glaze when used is crazed (crackled) which can trap harmful bacteria. Bowls are great for biscuits, sweets etc but just not soup, porridge, or other wet food stuff.  

Karen and Adrian, then spoke about the different styles of Raku they do and how to achieve the different results. As usual everyone loved the horse hair / feather technique – the most distant from any original Raku work from Japan.  In fact, Westernised Raku bares little to no resemblance to true Japanese Raku.

The students set to work deciding and decorating their two pots which they chose from a selection they have on hand. They are also given the option to purchase a third pot if they want to try all three styles.  Karen was on hand to give some advice and help with the dipping glazes whilst Adrian set up the kiln and firing area. The students then had a 45 min lunch break to eat their packed lunches, and we fired up the kiln just after 1pm.  

The plan was for 3 firings – 2 glaze and 1 horse hair / feather. We had some excellent results and one of our commercial glazes, Starry night gave us a stunning turquoise colour.  The students which tried both the Naked Raku and horse hair / feather technique were shown by Karen how to seal and polish their pots. Pots with glazes needed a good clean to get off any excess carbon from the reduction chamber.

It was a fabulous day with great results, and everyone went home very happy with their creations – well done.  

Guest Feedback

SH – Fabulous, fascinating day. Highly recommend it. Will come again

QP – Lovely day. Very interesting & rewarding

RN – Excellent day learning all the Raku techniques

JR – A very enjoyable day. Learnt lots and met some great people

HH – What a fabulous day!! So many amazing results

KC – What a great day, a fun way to learn and came away with some lovely pots