RAKU: Alternative & Experimental Techniques
27 - 28 October 2026 10.00 - 16.00
Description
Tutor: Andy Mason Dates: 27-28 October 2026 Time: 10.00 – 16.00 Location: Messums Studios, Chilmark, SP3 5DU Course Fee: £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. 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. Pre-made vessels can be purchased from the studio. Size Limits: Height maximum – 240mm. Width maximum – 140mm.Maximum 5 Pots 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.
Schedule
Cancellations Policy
Messums Studios is the educational community-facing branch of Messums.org. As such, the studio operates on a not-for-profit basis, and by booking one of our courses you support the wide work we do. All proceeds from the studio go directly back into the running of the studio. We exist for our creative community. Cancellations, refunds, and the rescheduling of your booked activity add pressure on the administration of the studio. Please check the course information and your availability before booking a course. Thank you. OUR CANCELLATION AND REFUND POLICY: Our regular classes and short courses run according to a schedule. Please check your availability prior to booking your course. Individual sessions missed during your regular term-time course are non-refundable and non-transferable to another person or date. We understand that sometimes cancellation of a full regular class or short course by a student is un-avoidable. In the case you can either request a refund or for your course fee to be held as credit and applied to another course with Messums Studios (admin fee of £25 will apply, Messums Studios reserves the right to withhold this option). A full refund for regular classes or short courses can be requested if cancelling no less than three weeks before the start. A cancellation fee of £25 will be deducted from the full refund. If cancelling less than three weeks prior to the start of the regular class or short course a partial refund of 50% of the course fee can be requested, less cancellation fee of £25. Any bookings cancelled within three working days prior to the start of the course will not be eligible for a refund. Messums Studio reserves the right to resell any vacant sessions. In the case of a tutors absence the class will run with a supply tutor or will be rescheduled around the studio programming.