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Whichford Pottery
  1. Home
  2. Latest Projects
  3. Oxford Anagama

Oxford Anagama

The aim of this project is to build and fire two traditional Japanese kilns in the heart of Oxford University’s Wytham Woods.

This practical research links both materials and processes. The Oxford Anagama project is an international forum with active participation from leading UK and Japanese master potters.

The project originates from Wytham Studio and is co-directed by our very own Jim Keeling and  Dr Robin Wilson (Wytham Studio/Department of Anthropology). Jim has been involved in the project from the start and has visited many Japanese potteries.

 

See the links below to view the project from the beginning...

Anagama Rams

Adam Keeling next to a pot fired at Wytham Woods

Our Whichford rams becoming acquainted with the Anagama Rams

Inside the kilns...

Adam and Jim Keeling with a Anagama wood fired pot

Our rams each have their own distinct pattern due to the nature of Anagama Kilns

Snake detail on urn

Embossed details

The difference in heat from the bottom of the kiln to the top provides natural differences in colour

Flaming Vase - Pulled from the kiln towards the end of the firing and dunked in sawdust for added effect

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.

See more in the The Beginning

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.

See more in the Constructing the Kiln

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.

See more in the First Firing

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.

See more in the The Results

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!

See more in the What next?
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Telephone: +44 (0) 1608 684416
Email: flowerpots@whichfordpottery.com
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