Sunday 19th July  2026
Time: 10am - 5pm
Pottery Gagliano
Age: 18+ (16+ if accompanied by a paying adult)
Price £195 

Saggar Firing Description:

The practice of making pots using raw materials and then burnishing them without glaze, stretches back to thousands of years ago. Saggar is a container used during the firing process to enclose and protect ware fired in the kiln. Traditionally, ‘saggars’ were made primarily from fireclay. The name is a contraction of the word safeguard. The use of saggars is widespread, including China, Korea, Japan and the United Kingdom. Saggars are still used in the production of ceramics to protect ware from the direct contact of flames and from damage by kiln debris.

In this specific case, layers of aluminium and pieces of thin clay create the container. The Saggar firing is more successful if the Saggars are similar to the size and shape of the items that have to be fired. For best results you should have a maximum of an inch of air space between the saggar wall and the creation. Saggar firing provides the most dynamic surface and it is impossible to obtain the same result twice.

The Workshop:

This full-day, hands-on workshop is suitable for all levels. You will be guided through the Saggar firing process, with multiple firings taking place throughout the day. You can bring your own bisque-fired pots or purchase pieces at the studio to decorate and fire. We recommend to burnish the surface of your piece and treat it with Terra Sigillata, and we will experiment with a range of organic materials to achieve unique decorative effects (you are welcome to bring your own organic materials).
We will ensure that everyone has the opportunity to fire at least three pieces during the day.

Lunch Break

Please bring your own lunch. There is a Sainsbury’s nearby, as well as a good selection of takeaway options and restaurants within walking distance of the studio.
Tea, coffee and biscuits will be available throughout the day at the studio.

Bringing Your Own Pots:

If you wish to bring/make your own pots please make sure they fit within these guidelines.

• Pots need to made from a Raku clay (such as Ashraf Hanna clay or a crank body)

• Even wall thickness (not too thin, to withstand thermal shock)

• pots treated whit Terra Sigliata

• Bisque fired

• Maximum size: 16cm wide or 18cm tall

• Only one piece at the maximum size

• Maximun three pieces per person.

Health and Safety:

Raku is an exciting process involving flames, very hot pots and smoke.
Please wear cotton clothing with long sleeves (You will smell smokey at the end of the day!).
Please do not wear open toed shoes.
Please ensure that hair is tied back if long and clothing isn’t flowing.