RAKU: Alternative & Experimental Techniques

Tutor: Andy Mason
Dates: 18 - 19 August 2026
Time: 10.00 – 16.00 (lunch in the middle of the day)
Location: Messums Studios, Chilmark, SP3 5DU
Cost: £291.67+VAT = £350
 
This two-day course with Andy Mason will cover numerous experimental methods of saggar firing associated with the modern RAKU. 
 
It is an ideal course for those who are fascinated with deeper understanding of the ceramic process and firing technology, and would like to explore and understand RAKU and alternative firing methods. Over the two action packed days with Andy Mason, you will have the opportunity to trial the following topics:
 
Repurposing a decommissioned electric kiln to make a RAKU kiln
 
Naked RAKU
Copper wire in-glaze fusing
Metal mesh saggar firing
In kiln reduction firing
 
Japanese in origin, RAKU loosely translates as ‘pleasure’ or ‘enjoyment’, and dates back to the 16th Century.
Its historical roots are based around creating rustic, though precious, tea-bowls for the traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony.
The Western interpretation is more usually known for the drama and excitement of the rapid ‘live’ kiln firing, unfolding with the joy and incidental surprises of this creative process.
 
This workshop will focus on the alternative methods that have emerged and developed from the latter part of the 20th century, taking advantage of the adaptability of fast firing lightweight RAKU kilns. The course will also cover the conversion of an old decommissioned electric kiln into a RAKU kiln which will be one of the kilns we will use during the course.
 
Naked RAKU (aka. sacrificial glaze firing) is a fascinating method where exterior glaze is sacrificed (peeled off and discarded) to reveal the smoke design on the surface of the pot beneath.
Saggar firings and fuming methods offer a fascinating addition to the RAKU of today and offer a wide and dramatic colour palette to the contemporary potter.
 
Participants are welcome to bring up to five pieces of their own biscuit fired work. We recommend Ashraf Hanna clay to be used for making. We strongly recommend that you consider burnishing the surface of the work intended for Naked Raku.
 
Size specification for the work for this course:
Size Limits: Height maximum – 240mm.   Width maximum – 140mm.
Maximum 5 Pots
 
Please note – Wide open bowl forms are generally more difficult in terms of vulnerability to cracking, and also more difficult placing in and removing from the kiln if there are several other pieces alongside. Bowl forms should be a more closed shape- i.e the rim is not the widest point.
 
Alternatively, you can purchase vessels pre-made by the studio in an Ashraf Hanna clay. Each vessel £20, or £90 for five. To order pots for RAKU firing, please contact us by the end of June 2026 to allow time for making.
 
Tutor Andy Mason, a potter with over 30 years experience, brings a dynamic and enthusiastic approach, sharing his individual techniques and guiding you through a range of creative glazing methods. Born and raised in North Staffordshire, he simultaneously draws inspiration from the historical legacy of The Potteries, nature and landscape influences, and appreciation of the great tradition of Raku, resulting in studio work ranging from technical precision through to a subtle asymmetry. 
 
Please bring: Sensible clothing and footwear, apron, notebook, packed lunch.
 
£350