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ANAGAMA KILN FIRING
10th-15th JULY 2026
Oxford University Kilns 

As last year's Summer Wood-Firing was such a success, we've decided to repeat the experience and secure a slot at Oxford Kilns with Robin and Ekta for Summer 2026! This will give us plenty of time to make work in advance and plan holidays.

 

Wood firing is an exhilarating and unique experience – producing effects that cannot be achieved in a standard electric kiln. It is physically intense at times, but incredibly rewarding. To support you fully, we've planned everything to ensure a comfortable and inspiring environment, including breakfast, lunch, dinner, and of course, plenty of caffeine to keep us fuelled.

 

An Anagama, or "cave kiln," is a traditional Japanese wood-fired pottery kiln with deep roots in ancient ceramic practices. As Ekta explained during her talk, part of this firing is the communal and ceremonial aspect to it. Gaining access to one - especially here in the UK - is a rare and exciting opportunity. Firing an Anagama is a highly skilled and labor-intensive process, involving specialised techniques to guide and control the flow of flame through the kiln. Robin will give us his full expertise and guide us through the whole process.

 

What makes the Anagama so unique is its design: the firebox and pottery chamber are part of a single continuous space, allowing flames and ash to move freely over the ceramic work. During the 3-day slow firing reaching 1300 degrees, the ash melts and settles on the pots, often forming natural ash glazes. The intense interaction between heat, flame, and clay creates unique often unpredictable surface textures, colours, and patterns, arguably richer and more complex than any other firing method. Your pieces will be truly one-of-a-kind. Don't be deterred by the idea of a night-time effort, there's is something very special about meeting the sunrise in this way!

 

This is a rare and fantastic opportunity to fire your own work in a traditional anagama kiln. We really hope that you will join us in the woods for this special course as we take over Oxford Kilns under the expert guidance of Dr. Robin Wilson and Ekta Bagri.

 

ANAGAMA COURSE SUMMARY:

  • Arrival on site on Friday 10th of July 2026

  • Induction and guidance on Anagama Firing by expert Dr. Robin Wilson

  • Loading and prepping the Anagama kiln

  • A 3-day continuous firing in shifts of 3–4 participants

  • Cooling begins on Day 6, Wednesday July 15th, and all participants leave site

  • Optional return on Sunday, July 19th to unload and reveal the final results

 

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

  • Note that due to the unpredictable nature of these firings, we can not guarantee the outcome of your pieces. It is best to bring more than enough pots, but be prepared to select your favourites when stacking the kiln as we will have to evaluate space on the day. Participants are advised to bring up to 10-12 small/medium bisque works, or a few larger pieces.

  • For clay body, we recommend any clay that fires to 1300. This includes Reduction St Thomas, Ashraf Hanna or Svend Bayer.

  • We will transport your work in advance if you wish (please drop it at Culford Studios by Tuesday 30th of June latest) but you will need to arrange your own travel to Wytham, Oxford OX2 8QQ. Free parking is available on site, or you can travel by train to Oxford then take a 10min taxi to the site.

  • The Oxford kiln experience is physically demanding and demands a good level of fitness. You should also be expecting to guard the fire in shifts and should be excited about the prospect of attending the graveyard shift (3am - 7am).

  • A camping field is available but students will need to provide their own camping / sleeping arrangement’s including snacks and beverages outside meal times. If you are interested in more comfortable, they are plenty of local options - but this will be for you to arrange your own.

  • If you are attending the fast fire course you will not have free roaming access to the Anagama experience and vice versa.

  • Safety equipment will be provided and a full safety briefing given onsite. Please bring a cloth face covering, and if you have kiln gloves and goggles, bring them too. Do not wear synthetic fabrics of any kind.

  • The cost for the 6-day course is £826, but only a £100 deposit is required to book your spot at this time. An invoice for the remaining payment will be sent at a later date closer to the course.

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