Raku, Saggar, Barrel, Copper Matte & Horsehair Firing Weekend Workshops 2025
Description
Join us for a two-day weekend intensive firing workshop at Abi Higgins Ceramics Studio. Discover the art of raku, saggar, barrel, copper matte & horsehair firings in a hands-on, immersive two day experience held over a weekend led by Abi Higgins Ceramics and Alison West Ceramics. Located in the picturesque village of Christow on the eastern edge of Dartmoor National Park, our studio offers a serene setting for your creative journey with easy access to Exeter. WHAT TO EXPECT: RAKU FIRING: Explore this traditional Japanese technique known for its captivating effects. Learn the low-temperature, fast-firing process, involving removing pottery at bright red heat and placing it in containers with combustible materials to achieve unique results. SAGGAR FIRING: Originally designed to protect wares in wood firings, this method now captures fumes around pots to enhance color and pattern. BARREL FIRING: Experience wood firing in a steel barrel using oxides, carbonates, and copper wire to create vibrant colors. COPPER MATTE/COPPER WASH: Is a decorative pottery method that uses copper oxide or carbonate to create unique metallic or iridescent effects. HORSEHAIR FIRING: Add unique effects to your pottery using horsehair applied to the surface. COURSE HIGHLIGHTS: HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE: Learn how to work with gas-fired raku kilns, 'mummy' saggars, and barrel kilns. TECHNIQUES & SKILLS: Learn alternative pot preparation techniques, resist techniques, copper wash application, sacrificial glaze (naked raku), reduction glazes, and burnishing advice. EXPERT GUIDANCE: Benefit from the expertise of two experienced instructors, ensuring personalised help and advice throughout the course. MATERIALS: Optionally, bisque fired pots are available for £10 each, or you can bring your own 10-12 masterpieces, guidance on preparation will be supplied at time of booking. LOCATION: The idyllic village of Christow in Devon provides a perfect backdrop for your creative exploration, with the natural beauty of Dartmoor National Park nearby and convenient access to the city of Exeter. Join us for this unique opportunity to enhance your ceramic skills and create stunning, one-of-a-kind pieces. We look forward to welcoming you to Abi Higgins Ceramics Studio! Couses are held at Christow Pottery in Devon. Christow village is set high in the Teign Valley close to the Kennick and Tottiford reservoirs and has breathtaking countryside all around. It is a former mining area - tin, sliver, copper and manganese all mined locally. There is a church (with a notable granite tower), pub, post office, local shops, and accommodation. The Cantonteign falls are close by.
What's included in the price?
- All materials and tools included. - Homemade lunch and tea/coffee/cakes provided.
Duration
2 days
Cancellation policy
Strict - Cancellation and a full refund can be obtained up to 8 weeks before the course starts
Maker
Alison West Ceramics and Abi Higgins Ceramics are known for their distinct styles and contributions to the craft and both show their work nationally. They first crossed paths within the pottery community and have since collaborated on numerous firing workshops, fostering a rich exchange of ideas and techniques. Alison West has gained recognition for her innovative approach to pottery, particularly in the realm of saggar firing and reduction techniques. Her work reflects a unique fusion of traditional craftsmanship with contemporary flair, showcasing intricate patterns and textures brought to life through her saggar firing process. On the other hand, Abi Higgins is celebrated for her expertise in reduction-fired domestic ware and raku firing. Her pieces are characterized by their functional yet aesthetically pleasing designs, often featuring vibrant glazes and captivating surface treatments achieved through the dynamic raku firing method. Together, Alison and Abi's workshops provide a comprehensive exploration of firing techniques, offering participants the opportunity to learn from their wealth of experience and refine their own skills in pottery making. Their collaborative efforts not only enrich the local pottery scene but also inspire aspiring potters to push the boundaries of creativity and craftsmanship.
Suitable for
- Adults
- Seniors
- Teenagers
- Engagement, birthdays & anniversaries
- Weekends
- Suitable for beginners
- Hen dos
- Corporate days out & team building
- Stag dos
- UK Holiday
- Intermediate level
- Advanced/pro level
- Suitable for all abilities
FAQs
No, the venue is down a very narrow rock lined lane with little turning space so we request all participants park at the large Village Hall car park, all details given at time of booking.
Cancellation for full refund will be given 8 weeks before workshop date. We will always do our best to move you to another date should it be available but be aware that participants need to have time to prepare their own pots so last minute cancellations cannot be refunded as those spaces are unlikely to be filled.
Should organisers have to cancel workshop for any reason, alternative dates are offered and if unable to attend, a full refund will be given.
Yes, up to 10 pots per person. Or you can buy our bisque and burnished pots for £10 each to prepare and fire
Yes, please see list of local accommodation