Reduction Firing Workshops
At Farmcote Pottery
Next dates:
2nd - 4th October 2026
16th - 18th October 2026
Location: Old Heathfield, East Sussex, England
I am pleased to introduce to you
A workshop aimed at people wanting to explore the realm of reduction firing, expanding your knowledge and building confidence firing a gas kiln. You will be taught what goes into a variety of traditional glazes such as shino, celadon, chun, copper red and ash glazes, as well as have the chance to use them for 10-15 of your own pieces. You will be guided through all stages of the firing and leave with a strong understanding of the process and materials involved.
During the firing you will be taken through each stage of what is happening to the wares inside the kiln and get the chance to control the amount of reduction by opening and closing the damper, visually noticing the change in strength and colour of the reduction flame.
Additional activities while we wait during the firing will include spoon carving using clay dug from the stream on site as well as a small bonfire with which we can smoke fire some bisque pots.
(Please note prior to this workshop you will need to have 10-15 bisque fired pots ready for glazing and firing)
What will you gain from this workshop?
You will gain:
Experience glazing, packing and firing a gas kiln in a cost efficient and controlled reduction atmosphere
An understanding of how clay bodies and glaze materials vary when fired in different kiln atmospheres
Confidence working with propane gas and how to link and light burners safely
Knowledge of what is happening to the pots as they are in the kiln; the stages of firing
The opportunity to fire between 10-15 of your own pieces in a selection of traditional glazes that will be provided for you
The kiln site and workshop
Are based in a stunning rural location in Old Heathfield, East Sussex. The garden studio is where we will compare materials and glaze our pots. The kiln site is a short 20 metres down the garden and across a stream where we will carry the pots to the woodland barn and kiln site. You will share the space with a total of 5 like-minded people, where we can learn from each others styles and results.
Lunch
Will be provided suiting all dietary requirements for days 1 and 2. Day 3 is a shorter afternoon so please arrive full. Tea, coffee, fruit and biscuits will be available throughout the whole workshop.
Maya Pask
Has been working with clay for over 9 years and for the last 3 years has developed a particular passion for reduction fired surfaces, particularly in gas and soda kilns. Maya has done a wide variety of glaze testing using wood ashes and different clays dug across the country, all of which she will show you tests and explain during the workshop.
The kiln that you will be firing is a Laser gas kiln that Maya refurbished after receiving it second hand with a collapsed roof and dirty burners. She replaced the roof, cleaned the burners and sourced the necessary equipment to fire the kiln. With the rising rates of electricity, she has found that efficient firings in the gas kiln are comparatively similar in cost to an electric, getting 3 firings from a 47kg propane bottle, making each firing approximately £30.
How long is the workshop?
The workshop will span over 3 days:
Day 1 (10am – 4pm)
Introduction to process, comparison of materials
Glaze pots
Pack kiln
Day 2 (8am – 6pm)
Fire gas kiln (approx 9 hours)
Run through stages of firing
Control reduction
Additional activities
Spoon carving
Bonfire with pit fired pots
Day 3 (1pm – 3pm)
Kiln cools in the morning
Unpack kiln in afternoon
Overview of results
Dates:
Friday 2nd, Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th October 2026
Friday 16th, Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th October 2026
Cost:
For all 3 days the cost is £340
(Lunch, tea, coffee and snacks will be provided)
(All your pots must be made and bisque fired prior to start date)
Location:
Studio and kiln site based in Old Heathfield, East Sussex, England
Book your place now by clicking below
Have you read the information page called ‘Reduction Firing Workshops’?
This is all the further information you need to know before booking.
What to bring
Bring with you your bisque fired pots, an apron and small towel for glazing. I will provide everything you need to glaze your pots. If you have any specific glazes you would like to test then feel free to bring them along.
Day 2: Firing Day
On the day of the firing we will have an early start and light the kiln at 8am on the dot, so aim to arrive at 7:45 so you don't miss this. The firing should last approximately 9 hours.
Lunch
A vegetarian lunch will be provided on days 1 and 2, you will be contacted about any dietary requirements prior to the start date and we will be sure to cater for them. There will be plenty of opportunity for tea, coffee, biscuits and fruit throughout the day.
Cost
The full cost for the workshop is £340. This payment must be made to confirm your place on the course.
Cancellations
Cancellations within 14 days of the start date will be charged at 50% of the total.
Cancellations within 15-29 days of the start date will be charged at 20% of the total.
Cancellations more than 30 days before the start date will be given a full refund.
Health and Safety
Be cautious of hot equipment in the surroundings, avoid picking up potentially hot bricks or kiln shelves
Do not stand in front of the kiln spy hole for warmth as heat and live flame come out from the gap
Wear appropriate footwear on the day and be careful when walking over uneven ground
Any sanding of bisque ware or fettling of glazed pots must be done outside to avoid inhalation of dust
We will run through more health and safety during the workshop
Location
Farmcote Pottery, Old Heathfield, East Sussex, UK England
Upon booking you confirm that you have read and understood all information provided above.
All landscape photographs on this page were taken by Sivan Gharib