john wheeldon

for fine raku pots

Technical Statement

My pots are thrown using a white stoneware body grogged with molochite, using ribs to ensure a smooth surface. After turning I trail a thick slip onto the top few centimetres of the form decorating what will become, after firing, an unglazed, carbonised band.
Biscuit firing is to 980°C after which a copper matt glaze is applied prior to raku firing. This takes place in a small top-loading gas kiln to around 1000°C when the pots are removed, using tongs, and placed on a thin layer of sawdust. This burns, enveloping them in flames.
After a short period of burning they are covered with a metal can and allowed to cool. The resulting colours appear to be a product of the path of the flames during burning, coupled with the reduction period.