Raku Pottery Workshop in a Beautiful Sussex Wood

Experience the unpredictable magic of pottery and fire at our full-day raku workshop in beautiful East Sussex woodland near Lewes.

Raku is a traditional Japanese firing technique where pots are pulled from the kiln while red hot and exposed to fire and smoke, creating beautiful and unpredictable effects. No two pieces are ever the same.

Spend the day in nature decorating pre-bisqued pottery (hand-made by us) with our specially formulated glazes to achieve rich colours and metallic effects, then firing it in the open air and watching the flames transform each piece into something unique. Everyone takes their finished pottery home the same day.

The session suits complete beginners and experienced potters alike. We'll provide a vase and a tile to work with, or you're welcome to bring your own pre-bisqued blanks — please talk to us before you come though, as they need to be the right clay and a suitable size.

The workshop takes place in a very special place; a private woodland in Barcombe, 5 miles from Lewes in East Sussex and 12 miles from Brighton.

Old oak trees canopy the site, resident pigs snuffle nearby, and the sound of birdsong fills the air as you decorate your pottery and take a walk during your lunch break.

We have shelter, so the workshop can take place in most weather conditions.

​This is the rough outline of the day, which runs from 11am - 4pm:

• Welcome tea, coffee & biscuits (available all day)

• Introduction to raku and brief health and safety talk

• Design, glaze and prepare your pieces

• Kiln goes on, and pots come out at 1010°C

• ​Develop the glazes of the pots by putting sawdust and newspaper on them and letting then burn!

• Quench and scrub your pots and watch the colours emerge

• Eat your bring-your-own picnic at any point

• Relax and enjoy being in the beautiful woodland

• Admire and show off your incredible art!​