The Beginning
The Project is a collaboration between top Japanese and British Potters with the University of Oxford to build and fire a traditional wood fired Anagama ceramics kiln at the University’s Research Woodland at Wytham, and to use anthropological research to study that process.
This University of Oxford project is located in Wytham (university woodland) with a unique and robust research context
For Potters
• It provides opportunities for potters to understand and develop their own craft process
Wytham Woods
Wytham Woods are an area of ancient semi-natural woodland to the west of Oxford, UK, owned by the University of Oxford and used for environmental research.
Finding the perfect site...
The very first stage was to find a site at Wytham Woods. The ground needed to be at a slight incline in order to work with the unique shape of an Anagama Kiln.
Constructing the Kiln
Construction of the smaller willow kiln started in January 2015 and was completed in June 2015. Construction of the larger brick kiln began in January 2015 and the first firing was in August 2016
Digging out the plot
The kiln base of the small willow kiln being excavated.
Foundations being excavated and levelled
Levelling the foundations is essential as Anagama Kilns are typically staggered to allow maximum airflow, therefore each level had to be very precise.
Brick Works
Now levelled the brick kiln receives its foundation of bricks and concrete.
First Firing
The Willow Kiln was first fired 10th - 16th August 2015
The Brick Kiln was first fired 14th - 24th January 2016
Both kilns require 24 hour attention during the firing period.
Our team and others were in charge of fuelling the fire in the belly of the kiln.
The brick kiln was especially challenging as those attending to it were required to endure temperatures of -6 C and bellow.
Loading up the kiln
From the mouth of the kiln, you can really appreciate its capacity.
Jim Keeling feeding the fire
Jim Keeling feeding the fire in the belly of the beast.
Dancing Flames
Sawdust or straw added during the firing process adds different effects to the pots.
The Results
Unloading kilns always brings many surprises and disappointment. It is all part of the process.
The gradual cooling of the kiln is vital; if cooled too quickly, the pottery can crack and craze undesirably
Ready to be unloaded
Different levels in the kilns create different unique patterns due to the temperature difference.
Ready to be unloaded
Stack upon stack of fully fired creations.
Whichford Rams
Each of these rams has their own distinct markings. Available at Whichford Pottery at £1495 each.
What next?
Please see either the information bellow or the Anagama page for more information - http://www.oxfordanagama.org
The next firing...
Please see http://www.oxfordanagama.org to find out how you can fire your pottery in an Anagama kiln!