3 day Wood Firing Experience in the heart of Mid Wales.
Our Girel 3e kiln was built in 2024, an ergonomic, economic and environmentally friendly kiln designed by Jean Girel in 2022. It uses less wood than comparable kilns and fires in much less time giving the opportunity for the experience of wood firing without a large time commitment. The kiln is designed to be energy efficient, both in terms of the wood used and the effort of stoking. Those coming on the course will be able to participate in the full firing experience.
Firing weekend courses
Thursday to Saturday 27, 28 & 29 August
Friday to Sunday 23, 24 & 25 October
Programme -
Day 1. Glazing and packing the kin 10.00 – 19.00
Day 2. Kiln firing from 6.00 a.m, finishing around 19.00
Day 3. Morning free to explore the area, afternoon will be unpacking the kiln
£300 per person.
Maximum 8 people
To book: Eventbrite (see link above, fee applied) or direct by contacting office@midwalesarts.org.uk
You can bring 12 or so small to medium-sized bisque or raw stoneware pots or come on our intensive throwing course the previous weekend. It is very important that you use appropriate clay to minimise adverse effects on other pots and kiln shelves.
We provide a range of glazes that have been used successfully in this kiln. In wood firing, much of the pleasure is gained by the action of the flame on the unglazed surface of the clay body, so glazing is not always preferable.
We can’t guarantee to fire all of your pots, but we will fire as many as possible
Full board / half board available at Mid Wales Arts.
Camper vans can be accommodated on site.
Contact office@midwalesarts.org.uk
Meet the team
The courses are run by-
Jean Sampson MA. Thrower and handbuilder with many years experience making wood fired salt glazed domestic ware
Alison Finnieston MA. Hand builder with experience in wood and raku firing.
Mid Wales Arts is situated near Newtown, Powys and has its own mainline railway station which runs directly to Shrewsbury with good connections throughout the UK. The station is a short walk, and we can arrange transport if needed.
B&B is available on site and there is an excellent Gallery/Cafe.
The centre has fishing rights over a stretch of the nearby River Severn and there are many nature reserves and walks locally.
Any queries / further information- contact office@midwalesarts.org.uk