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1-Day Pottery Barrel Firing Workshop

20 Isle Road, Lisnagunogue, Bushmills, County Antrim, BT57 8XR
pottery

About

One Day Barrel Firing Workshops with Patricia Millar Ceramics at her rural studio in Lisnagunogue. On this Barrel Firing workshop, you'll have the opportunity to decorate your pots (provided*) with designs inspired by neolithic rock art. You'll also learn how to use oxides and organics to add colour before packing and firing a metal barrel. Finally, Patricia will teach you how to clean and seal your beautiful pots.

*You are also welcome to bring your own pots and you will add them to the firing, space permitting. Any clay is suitable but bisqued to no more than 900oC. Unfired pots can be included but do carry a greater risk of breakage, of course.

Morning session 10am – 1pm

Beginning with tea and scones, listen to a with a short introduction to Barrel firing. Learn about pot preparation, terra sigillata and burnishing, how to decorate pots inspired by local neolithic rock art.

You will make simple foil saggars, learning what colours you can achieve from a choice of oxides and organics, while learning the good health and safety practices around barrel firing.

You will pack the barrels and learn how to layer fuel to achieve an even firing with maximum heat work. Patricia will guide you on how to tend to the firing to achieve a reducing atmosphere.

LUNCH

A Light vegetarian lunch is provided with a chance to chat and browse books on alternative firing techniques. As you wait for the barrels to burn out there is an opportunity for a field trip to Ballintoy or The Boat House Gallery, depending on the weather.

Afternoon session 3pm - 5pm

Unpack the barrels and learn how to clean and seal your pots before taking them home!

This day course includes a refreshments, vegetarian lunch, all materials, including 4 pots (approx. 240ml) and field trip. Max 6 participants.

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Facilities

Event Facilities

  • Booking Required

Parking & Transport

  • On site parking

Guide Prices

Ticket TypeTicket Tariff
Adult£160.00 per ticket

Note: Prices are a guide only and may change on a daily basis.

Explore More

Patricia reaches for dried grass in her workshopPatricia Millar Ceramic Studio, BushmillsA clay studio minutes from the Giant’s Causeway, Patricia’s work uses local clays and materials to capture the unique colour signature and forms of the Causeway Coast's landscape.

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Call direct on:

Tel07980558952

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Opening Times

Season (15 Mar 2025)
DayTimes
Saturday10:00 - 17:00
Season (12 Apr 2025)
DayTimes
Saturday10:00 - 17:00
Season (3 May 2025)
DayTimes
Saturday10:00 - 17:00

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Patricia reaches for dried grass in her workshopPatricia Millar Ceramic Studio, BushmillsA clay studio minutes from the Giant’s Causeway, Patricia’s work uses local clays and materials to capture the unique colour signature and forms of the Causeway Coast's landscape.

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