SMOKELESS KILN BUILDING COURSE
The 18th Century remains of Manor Farm form the last part of the historic Sheffield Manor Lodge site to be restored. An important part of the redevelopment will be the construction of the first urban smokeless wood-fired kiln intended for community use. This kiln will be at the heart of the new Ceramics Centre at Manor Lodge which consists of a ceramics trail celebrating the historical and archeological heritage of the site, the development of a ceramic ware production line based on 18thC Manor Ware produced on site by local potter John Fox as well as contemporary studios for ceramicists managed by Yorkshire Artspace together with their programme of start-up and residency schemes.
Sheffield Manor Lodge is managed by the social enterprise, Green Estate and in keeping with their ethos of environmental sustainability, community involvement and education we are offering the opportunity to participate in the building of this unique kiln as designed by internationally acclaimed Japanese master of wood-fired kiln building: Masakazu Kusakabe.
Experience in kiln building is not required but a keen interest in ceramics and wood-firing is. You will have the opportunity to test fire the kiln and there are facilities on site for making and glazing.
The course will be run by established Yorkshire Artspace artists Penny Withers and Sarah Villeneau, both previous Chairs of the Rufford Wood-firing Society and highly experienced workshop leaders and wood-firers. Sarah recently participated in a smokeless kiln-building Masterclass with Masakazu Kusakabe in Hungary and brings this first-hand experience to the course.
Participants will have the opportunity to learn, through application, the basics of kiln design and construction, as well as the specific plan for the Manor Oaks kiln. They will learn the theory and practice of firing and specific glazes for wood-firing. Penny and Sarah will give demonstrations on throwing and hand-building in the pottery workshop and individual tuition as necessary. The approach is one of practical hands-on application of skills.
Course fee £270 for 9 days 24th March – 1st April plus optional (no fee) test firing (date to be announced)
OR £ 30 per day, minimum 4 days
Price includes:
1 12.5 Kg bag clay per person – additional clay available at cost
Oxides and glazes as necessary for decoration
1 biscuit firing – additional firings available at cost
1 glaze firing in completed kiln (post course – see above)
Free camping and barbecue facilities, washrooms and toilets available on site
BOOKING ESSENTIAL. For a booking form please contact –
Sarah Villeneau; [email protected]
Penny Withers; [email protected]
Manor Oaks is situated 10 minutes from Sheffield train station by car, 20 – 30 minutes by foot or is accessible by bus.
