No longboats. No war cries. Just fire, smoke, and instinct.

If you’ve ever caught yourself staring into a bonfire wondering if you missed your calling as a Viking, this might be the next best thing.

This August, we’re bringing one of ceramics’ most immediate, visceral firing processes to Sunken Studio: Raku.

You’ll fire pots in a gas-fuelled bullet kiln, pull them out glowing hot, and plunge them into sawdust and other combustibles. Flame, smoke, atmosphere - it’s all part of the process. No two outcomes are the same, and that’s half the thrill.

This workshop is ideal if you want to:

• Experience ceramics beyond the electric kiln

• Build confidence handling hot materials safely

• Explore how fire and air transform the ceramic surface

• Understand the principles of post-firing reduction

You’ll come away with:

• A hands-on understanding of heat, risk, and material reaction

• Fired pieces shaped by timing, flame, and luck

• A proper dose of smoke and soot (and maybe some bragging rights)

Proposed dates (Thursdays):

• 7 August

• 14 August

• 28 August

These may shift depending on interest.

Booking isn’t open just yet - but if you’re ready to swap scrolls for soot, you can join our Register of Interest and we’ll be in touch once dates are confirmed.

Prerequisites: None

Duration: 6 hours (includes 1 hour lunch break) 

What’s Included:

• 2 bisque-fired pots (extras available from £15 each)

• Raku glazes and decorating materials

• All firings and expert guidance

• Light refreshments including locally roasted coffee

• Finished pieces to take home on the day

Also includes a non-refundable booking fee (2.5% of ticket value). Clean aprons, all tools and equipment are provided.

For more detailed information on our courses, motivations and our resources, please refer to our PROSPECTUS.