2-Day Pit Fired Pottery Workshop

Two-Day Pit Firing Pottery Workshop at the Giant’s Causeway
Experience the ancient art of pit firing pottery during this immersive two-day workshop at Patricia’s studio on the Giant’s Causeway.

Designed for ceramic artists and pottery enthusiasts, the workshop explores traditional firing techniques from preparation through to the final reveal. You’ll learn how to prepare your work, experiment with burnishing and terra sigillata, create saggars, pack and fire a pit, and finish your completed pieces.

Participants can bring their own pottery to fire, with space for approximately one grocery crate of work per person. The amount that can be included will depend on the size and quantity of work brought by the group.

Additional wheel-thrown, burnished and bisque-fired pots may also be available to purchase from the studio on the day.

Day One
9.30am – Tea, coffee and scones
10.00am–4.30pm – Workshop

The day begins with an introduction to pit firing, followed by demonstrations from Patricia on how to prepare and wrap pottery using different saggar techniques, oxides and organic materials.

You’ll learn about the effects that can be achieved through this ancient firing process and gain an understanding of the science behind colour, smoke, heat and reduction.

Participants will then prepare their own work using supplied natural materials such as seaweed and pine needles.

After a hearty vegetarian lunch, the group will learn how to pack and fire the pit, including techniques for achieving effective heat work and reduction.

Health and safety around pit firing will also be covered.

The first day finishes with the pit being closed down for the firing process, with Patricia tending it overnight.

Day Two
9.30am – Tea, coffee and scones
10.00am–4.00pm – Workshop

Return the following morning for the much-anticipated pit firing reveal.

The group will unpack the pit and discover the unique colours, markings and surface effects created during the overnight firing.

Following a demonstration, you’ll clean and prepare your fired pieces before breaking for a light vegetarian lunch.

The final part of the workshop focuses on different techniques for sealing and finishing pit-fired pottery, helping you complete your work and protect the surfaces created during the firing.

Finish times are approximate and may depend on the number of pieces being processed.

What’s Included
The workshop includes:

All materials required for pit firing
Guidance on burnishing and terra sigillata
Saggar preparation techniques
Oxides and natural organic materials
Pit packing and firing tuition
Cleaning and finishing techniques
Two hearty vegetarian lunches
Tea, coffee, scones and treats throughout both days
A distinctive hands-on experience for anyone interested in pottery workshops in Northern Ireland, ceramic firing techniques, traditional crafts and creative experiences on the Causeway Coast.