I have always had a passion for firing with wood, the cutting, stacking ,and the stoking have become a routine part of my making cycle, the build up to the final act. Each firing will be different until a pattern is achieved and gentle but controlled climb to 1300 degrees is finally reached.

I fire a single chamber Bourry - box kiln, 75cu ft. At 1250 degrees salt is thrown into the firebox to coat the surface of the pots with a layer of sodium, combining with the slips on the pots to produce varying surfaces from a thin film to heavy "orange peel", the wood gives me an extra dimension and depth of quality. I aim to get to the salting temperature in around 16 hours and complete the kiln in 19 to 20 hours, this is always a magic time, letting the fire burn down not knowing how successful the firing has been! Time for reflection, a quick prayer and a long cool beer before making the kilnshed safe and retiring for some well earned rest.

The new gas kiln by contrast, has a rather frenetic atmosphere, this kiln has a stacking capacity of 75 cu ft., and has been built to fire a range of Ash glazes and Tenmoku's for the more functional pots made for the table.

I have recently started work on a twin chamber wood kiln to enable me to experiment with different atmospheres and glazes. As I write in December 2008, the kiln shed has been erected and I have taken delivery of a stack of Chinese firebricks ready to start building the kiln. You can click on the images below to view progress.