Reduction Firing Workshop
at Farmcote Pottery with Maya Hughes
Next Workshop Dates:
20th – 22nd March 2026 ~ OR ~ 17th – 19th April 2026
Location: Old Heathfield, East Sussex
I am pleased to introduce to you
A workshop aimed at people wanting to explore the realm of reduction firing, expanding your knowledge and building confidence firing a gas kiln. You will be taught what goes into a variety of traditional glazes such as shino, celadon, chun, copper red and ash glazes, as well as have the chance to use them for 10-15 of your own pieces. You will be guided through all stages of the firing and leave with a strong understanding of the process and materials involved.
During the firing you will be taken through each stage of what is happening to the wares inside the kiln and get the chance to control the amount of reduction by opening and closing the damper, visually noticing the change in strength and colour of the reduction flame.
Additional activities while we wait during the firing will include spoon carving using clay dug from the stream on site as well as a small bonfire with which we can smoke fire some bisque pots.
(Please note prior to this workshop you will need to have 10-15 bisque fired pots ready for glazing and firing)
The kiln site and workshop
Are based in a stunning rural location in Old Heathfield, East Sussex. The garden studio is where we will compare materials and glaze our pots. The kiln site is a short 20 metres down the garden and across a stream where we will carry the pots to the woodland barn and kiln site. You will share the space with a total of 5 like-minded people, where we can learn from each others styles and results.
Lunch
Will be provided suiting all dietary requirements for days 1 and 2. Day 3 is a shorter afternoon so please arrive full. Tea, coffee, fruit and biscuits will be available throughout the whole workshop.
Maya Hughes
Has been working with clay for over 7 years and for the last 3 years has developed a particular passion for reduction fired surfaces, particularly in gas and soda kilns. Maya has done a wide variety of glaze testing using wood ashes and different clays dug across the country, all of which she will show you tests and explain during the workshop.
The kiln that you will be firing is a Laser gas kiln that Maya refurbished after receiving it second hand with a collapsed roof and dirty burners. She replaced the roof, cleaned the burners and sourced the necessary equipment to fire the kiln. With the rising rates of electricity, she has found that efficient firings in the gas kiln are comparatively similar in cost to an electric, getting 3 firings from a 47kg propane bottle, making each firing approximately £30.
What will you gain from this workshop?
You will gain:
- Experience glazing, packing and firing a gas kiln in a cost efficient and controlled reduction atmosphere
- An understanding of how clay bodies and glaze materials vary when fired in different kiln atmospheres
- Confidence working with propane gas and how to link and light burners safely
- Knowledge of what is happening to the pots as they are in the kiln; the stages of firing
- The opportunity to fire between 10-15 of your own pieces in a selection of traditional glazes that will be provided for you
How long is the workshop?
The workshop will span over 3 days:
Day 1 (10am – 4pm)
- Introduction to process, comparison of materials
- Glaze pots
- Pack kiln
Day 2 (8am – 6pm)
- Fire gas kiln (approx 9.5 hours)
- Run through stages of firing
- Control reduction
Additional activities
- Spoon carving
- Bonfire with pit fired pots
Day 3 (1pm – 3:30pm)
- Kiln cools in the morning
- Unpack kiln in afternoon
- Overview of results
What are the dates and cost for the workshop?
Dates:
Next Workshop: Friday 20th, Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd March 2026
Following Workshop: Friday 17th, Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th April 2026
Cost:
For all 3 days the cost is £340
(Lunch, tea, coffee and snacks will be provided)
(All your pots must be made and bisque fired prior to start date)
Location:
Studio and kiln site based in Old Heathfield, East Sussex, England
To book:
To book your space please contact Maya via email, text message or call.
Email: mayarhughes@gmail.com
Mobile: 07595943876
Photography credit to Sivan Gharib