Clay sourcing and preparation 10.00amam - Beal car park, next to Holy Island causeway
A 3 part course in pottery-making using locally-sourced, traditional materials will be run by Richard Carlton in order to improve understanding and appreciation of locally-made pottery from all periods made and found in the area.
In addition to learning a new skill and producing things of use or interest, you'll gain a greater appreciation of landscape, understanding of the properties and uses of locally-sourced materials, appreciation of sustainability and learning artistic and motor skills.
The course will be run over 3 or more sessions in May, leading up to firing at the Peregrini Heritage Festival.
Session 1: Clay sourcing and preparation - Source local clays and tempering materials (to add to the clays) in the form of beach-sand deposits (silica sand, whin sand, coal sand, shelly sand & organic materials). Dry and rehydrate the clay and sort tempering materials.
Session 2: Mixing clay and making pots - Make pots and figurines based on local, archaeologically sourced pots or inspired by landscape/wildlife in the Peregrini area
Session 3: Firing the pots - Fired in a bonfire using locally-sourced wood (from beach or local woodland) before inspecting/analysing the results; e.g. pots with coal-sand (or organics) may become pitted, those with shelly sand will crumble, those with no temper will crack and those with other tempering materials will develop a range of colour and textural qualities.
To book your place please email The Archaeological Practice