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FAST FIRING WOOD KILN
10th-12th 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.

 

A fast fire is a great introduction to wood-firing. The firing is accelerated by feeding large amounts of wood continuously in short intervals. This helps the kiln reach high temperatures quickly - often around 1300°C (Cone 10) - in a single day. The kiln’s atmosphere is rich in ash and flame, which interact directly with the clay and glazes, producing natural effects like flashing, carbon trapping, and ash deposits.

 

This is a rare and fantastic opportunity to fire your own work in a traditional fast-fire wood 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.

 

FAST FIRE COURSE SUMMARY:

  • Arrival on site on Friday 10th of July 2026

  • Kiln preparation, including wood chopping and kiln loading

  • Opportunity to use high fire Shino glazes

  • An intensive 10–14 hour firing in small team shifts

  • Cooling, Unloading and review of the work on the final day, Sunday 12th of July

 

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.

  • 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 3-day course is £352, but only a £100 deposit is required to book your spot at this time.

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