Ceramics, An Introduction to Saggar Firing in an Electric Kiln

When & Where

9 November 2024 - 14 December 2024 ( 30 hours, 6 weeks )
Daytime, Saturday
View course timetable
Waterloo Centre

Quick Facts

Availability Late starts accepted
Tutor Alex Huber
Course Code W24CRSA07A
Suitable For 19 year olds and up are permitted on this course

What you will learn

This 6-week course is designed for all levels incl. beginners who are looking for new possibilities and would like to learn the basic technique of saggar firing in an electric kiln. Saggar firing is an alternative firing method in which work is fired in a clay container together with certain combustible materials. The work that comes out of the saggar will be unpredictable and a surprise every single time. On this course you will look at every single step, from making a saggar to finishing the pieces fired in it. What requirements your work will have to meet and which materials you can use to give your work colour. It’s an exciting opportunity to take part in a course which fully explains the process in detail.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

Understand the basic process and working methods of saggar firing in an electric kiln
Make a clay saggar, appropriate work with relevant clays, slips and materials that give colour to your work
Understand the principles of this alternative firing method and appreciate the variety of surfaces that can be achieve
Safe working practice with regard to health and safety and issues regarding saggar firing

Cost

Full fee

£515

Concession fee

£385

Click here for information on Fees, Funding and Concessions (including financial support)

Class format and activities

You will take part in a power point explanation of the process. You will be making a saggar, and a range of suitable objects. You will be experimenting with different firing methods and combustible materials. You will be attaching natural colourants, metals, oxides and carbonates to your work, following Health & Safety guidelines. You will be preparing and loading your saggar for firing.

Entry requirements

None – Beginners welcome no previous knowledge of ceramics is required

What you need to know before you enrol

Excellent attendance and punctuality are required from all students, you need to be able to join all six sessions to get the most out of this course. We make a charge for clay, which includes the bisque and glaze firing. The ceramics studio is on the 3rd floor and there is lift access.

What you need

Pen and notebook, clothes you do not mind getting dirty, closed toe shoes. Please bring any clay tools you have, however, there will be pottery tools available to use on the course, there are also beginners packs to buy at the college if you would like your own.