Introduction to Raku

Tutor: Claude Frere-Smith

Lunch: Price includes a hearty lunch.

Level:
All Levels

Typically for a max of 8 people.

Full Day

← Back to search

NEW

Join ceramics tutor Claude Frere-Smith on this exciting and occasionally fast-moving (!) workshop to create stunning pots using the ancient and dramatic technique of raku firing.

Raku is a really amazing process, developed in Japan in the 16th century, that includes firing pots outside in an ‘open’ kiln to create unique patterns and designs on them. The red-hot pots are transferred from the kiln to reduction buckets where they are smoked and the glazes transformed as the oxygen is consumed, developing the characteristic but unpredictable Raku crackles and lusters. Every piece will be totally unique!

Using ready-made bisque-fired pots by Claude, you will be taught some basic decorating and glazing techniques, which you will then put to use using an array of colours, crackle or iridescent glazes to create your desired effects. You will then watch the pots being taken out of the red hot kiln and put into bins to be smoked. Next comes the magic as you wash and polish the pots to reveal the final look of your pot! You will get to repeat this process three times during the day and Claude will also take you through simple-hand-building techniques.

Please Note this workshop takes place inside and outside, with the firing taking place outside so please dress for the weather. Also, be aware it also involves wood smoke – masks will be provided.

Please note that there is a £20 materials charge payable to the tutor on the day. This covers 4 of your pots being glazed and fired, additional pots will be an additional £10 per pot.

Click below for what to bring.

What to expect

Time at ArtisOn is designed to take you away from it all. We provide the environment, the time and the guidance you need to create. You can expect a warm welcome, skilled and friendly tutors and the chance to meet like-minded people keen to share ideas. You can even leave us to clear up the mess! There will usually be two workshops going on and we encourage everyone to mingle and be nosey about what the other workshop is up to.

We encourage you to arrive at 9.30am. This will allow time to meet other participants over a cup of tea or coffee and biscuits before beginning workshops at 10am. There will be a mid-morning break for refreshments and a chance to talk over progress with others. Lunch is usually around 12:45 for about 45 mins – you can expect a delicious homemade 2 course lunch. There will be a further afternoon break with tea or coffee and cake. All food and refreshments are included in the price of your workshop.

The finish time given is a target. There are occasions when the session may overrun so do let us know if you need to be away promptly.

We aim for your day to be a real treat. You could always learn a new skill in a shed or a draughty village hall with a curly sandwich, but we want you to have more fun than that! So we make sure we provide a day where you will be looked after, with good food, good company and great inspiration!

What you’ll need to bring with you

Please bring a pair of marigold wash-up gloves or similar.

Please wear warm clothes and sturdy shoes.

Related Courses

Beautiful Botanical Bas Relief Tiles

Beautiful Botanical Bas Relief Tiles

Thu, 1 May 2025

10:00 am - 4:00 pm

In this experimental course you will learn the various steps to making your own bas relief flower & nature plaster cast tiles. The course will cover rolling out the clay, designing and arranging...

£95

Register Interest

Novice

0 spaces available

Beautiful Botanical Bas Relief Tiles

Beautiful Botanical Bas Relief Tiles

Fri, 4 Apr 2025

10:00 am - 4:00 pm

In this experimental course you will learn the various steps to making your own bas relief flower & nature plaster cast tiles. The course will cover rolling out the clay, designing and arranging...

£95

Register Interest

Novice

0 spaces available

View all ceramics courses

Your email will be used to communicate ArtisOn news, special offers, new dates etc via our quarterly email newsletter. We will not share this information with any other organisations or use it for any other purpose.