Raku Pottery Course

A practical and fascinating experience discovering Raku, an ancient Japanese ceramic firing technique that originated in the 16th century and is still loved today for its unpredictable and evocative character.

Raku is based on the use of a particular type of clay, which is very rough and textured, rich in inclusions that make it resistant to thermal shock. The course will teach the basic techniques for creating small objects by hand.

The pieces will then be glazed with special glazes, provided by us, and quickly fired in an open kiln, removed while still red-hot and subjected to sudden cooling processes, creating unique and unrepeatable surfaces.

This course is designed for those who want to approach the world of ceramics with a creative and manual approach, learning to model and fire according to the traditional principles of Raku.

When:

• Friday 22 May 2026, from 6pm to 9pm
• Friday 5 June 2026, from 7pm to 11pm

(The second date may be subject to change in case of bad weather, as the activity will take place outdoors)

Participants: minimum 5

Total cost: £150

Course programme

First meeting – 22 May (6pm – 9pm)

• Theoretical introduction to the Raku technique: historical overview, materials and tools.
• Manual modelling of an object in refractory clay.
• Preparation of pieces for drying and subsequent biscuit firing.

Second meeting – 5 June (6:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.)

• Glazing of the object created during the first meeting
• Decoration and glazing of a second piece provided by the organisers (already bisque fired)
• Live Raku firing: removal of the incandescent pieces from the kiln and treatment with natural materials
• Delivery of the objects created

📍 Note: The objects created will be delivered at the end of the second session.
☔ In case of bad weather, the date of the second session may be changed.