Pit-Firing Workshops

Mary has been pit-firing ceramics for over 16 years. She has conducted workshops covering Pir-firing techniques and run demonstrations for 14 years, including nine consecutive years on Porthmeor Beach in St Ives, Cornwall.

This two-day course is designed to teach you everything you need to know about Pit Firing Ceramics. During this course, you will learn about the history of this ancient art and the method.

You will learn how to prepare your work, including burnishing techniques, terra sigalatta, and packing and firing the pit. You will also be instructed on which items to add to the pit, how to apply them, and in what quantities.

Bring your own bisque-fired work, which should be created using open-bodied Raku clay. Each person may bring 15 pieces (additional tester tiles may be brought).

Day 1
The day will last approximately 7 hours. Beginning with an introduction to the ancient method of Pit-Fired Pottery, Mary will show you how to prepare your work in foil and paper saggars using different materials and explain the effects that can be achieved.

You will then be helped with preparing your work using a choice of materials provided and anything you have brought. Mary will decide what materials to put into the earthen kiln.

Please bring a lunch to eat in the beautiful gardens surrounding the studio.

We will prepare the pre-dug pit and place the prepared pieces in it as a group. We will build a bomb fire on top of the pit. After approximately 20 minutes, metal tins will be placed over the fire pit and left to burn through the night. Mary will keep watch.

Day 2
Day two will last approximately 5 hours. The group will return in the morning to open the pit, which should be cooled by now.

We will carefully unpack the pit, wearing masks and rubber gloves. Mary will show you how to clean your work.

We will carefully unpack the pit, wearing masks and rubber gloves. Mary will show you how to clean your work.

Includes

  • Tuition throughout the two days
  • Materials to prepare the pit
  • Materials that will be used to obtain colour on the work: seaweed, oxides, copper, wire wool, organic materials
  • Tinfoil, tape, paper and string
  • Fuel for firing: Wood logs & sawdust
  • Firing pit – Round 2 meters circumference 

Tips for a successful firing

  • Your work should be bisque-fired to 900C and consist of open-bodied Raku clay; stoneware or earthenware
  • The pieces may be burnished to achieve better patination
  • Hand-built or wheel-thrown pots are acceptable
  • Breakages are expected. Please bring a range of shapes and sizes; however, large flat pieces usually break.  
  • Please bring a pair of rubber gloves and a mask to use when handling some of the materials and when opening the pit. 
  • You may bring organic materials to use. 
  • Please wear natural fibre clothing and solid shoes and have your hair tied back when firing the pit.

£325 per person: Maximum 8 participants

I do run workshops for students. Please send me an email if you require more information

Dates 2025:

Saturday 5th July: 10 am – 5:30 pm

Sunday 6th July: 10 am 3:30 pm