This unique opportunity to learn to build the first urban smokeless wood-fired kiln will be lead by expert ceramicists Penny Withers and Sarah Villeneau.  It takes place from 24th March to 1st April 2012.

Sheffield Manor Lodge is managed by the social enterprise, Green Estate and in keeping with their ethos of environmental sustainability, community involvement and education, ceramcists Penny Withers and Sarah Villeneau are offering a unique opportunity to participate in the building of a unique wood fired kiln, designed by internationally acclaimed Japanese master of wood-fired kiln building: Masakazu Kusakabe. Experience in kiln building is not required but a keen interest in ceramics and wood-firing is!

You will have the opportunity to test fire the kiln and there are facilities on site for making and glazing. Penny and Sarah were both previous Chairs of the Rufford Wood-firing Society and are highly experienced workshop leaders and wood-firers. Sarah recently participated in a smokeless kiln-building Masterclass with Masakazu Kusakabe in Hungary and brings this first-hand experience to the course.

Participants will have the opportunity to learn through application, the basics of kiln design and construction and the specific plan for the Manor Oaks kiln. They will learn about the theory and practice of firing and use of specific glazes for wood-firing. Penny and Sarah will give demonstrations on throwing and hand-building in the pottery workshop, offering one to one tuition if necessary.

The course fee £270 for 9 days. There are additional test firing sessions planned which are free of charge. Alternatively, individuals can choose to take part for a shorter period at £ 30 per day for a minimum 4 days. Price includes: one 12.5 Kg bag clay per person (with additional clay available at cost); use of oxides and glazes for decoration; one biscuit firing (additional firings available at cost); one post course glaze firing in the completed kiln. Free camping and barbecue facilities, washrooms and toilets are available on site. Booking is essential! Contact manorstokers@yahoo.co.uk for a booking form.

For directions click here. Manor Lodge and Manor Farm are situated 10 minutes from Sheffield train station by car/taxi, 20 to 30 minutes by foot or is accessible by bus number 22 from Sheffield City Centre, Arundel Gate AG3.