This is a fun activity in Lewes, Brighton
Join this hands-on raku pottery workshop in a private woodland in Barcombe, East Sussex – just 5 miles from Lewes and 12 miles from Brighton – and discover the ancient art of raku firing, where pots are pulled from the kiln while still red hot and transformed with fire and smoke. No two pieces are ever quite the same.
You'll spend the day with Hot Fox Pottery, decorating pre-bisqued pottery (hand-made in-house) with specially formulated glazes to bring out rich colours and metallic effects, before firing your pieces in the open air and watching the flames transform them into something unique. You'll take your finished pottery home with you the same day.
This session suits complete beginners and experienced potters alike. You'll be provided with a vase and a tile to decorate, though you're welcome to bring your own pre-bisqued blanks instead (see note below).
The workshop takes place beneath a canopy of old oak trees, with resident pigs snuffling nearby and birdsong filling the air as you work – you'll even have time for a woodland walk over your lunch break. There's shelter on site too, so the day can go ahead whatever the weather brings.
Running from 11am to 4pm, a typical day looks a little like this:
- Welcome tea, coffee and biscuits (available all day)
- Introduction to raku and a brief health and safety talk
- Design, glaze and prepare your pieces
- Kiln goes on, and pots come out at 1010°C
- Develop the glazes by adding sawdust and newspaper and letting them burn
- Quench and scrub your pots and watch the colours emerge
- Enjoy your bring-your-own picnic whenever suits you
- Relax and take in the beautiful woodland setting
- Admire and show off your incredible artwork
By the time you leave, you'll have a one-of-a-kind keepsake to take home – shaped by fire and smoke, and completely unlike anything else out there.
Please note: if you'd like to bring your own pre-bisqued blanks rather than use the provided vase and tile, please get in touch before the day, as they'll need to be the right clay and a suitable size.
