2014
Having totally lost the blog I published in the week I have to redo.
After a gap of two years I now find myself doing 2 blogs in a week. As if I don't have enough to do at this time of year.
July was the first firing of the year, pots made from March onwards after recovery from a nasty hernia repair.
Kiln packing, getting loads of pots in.
The results were pretty good, over 200 pieces out and only 4 losses, the big teapot went to America from a commission and cups and saucers had been commissioned by Valentine Clays my long term clay supplier.
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| Some of the pieces I enjoyed taking from this firing |
Next firing packing as tight as possible once again
Pots to look out for . . .
Another successful firing. Over 200 pieces came from the kiln and only 3 losses this time.
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| Pitchers awaiting beakers to make into drinks sets |
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| A good bunch of Teapots |
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| Some new platters |
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| An alteration to the lid handles on these Casseroles |
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| Plenty of good looking plates from this kiln. |
After unpacking it all it was time to put together some sets.
Now onto the next firing...
Some pots had to be sun dried in a rush to complete the packing
Having got the kiln packed and lit on Saturday morning at 6.45am all seemed well until I heard the dreaded POP! of an explosion within the kiln. Something I haven't heard for about 8 years. I raked remnants of a pot from the burner port, lost at least 20 minutes in the firing time and can see there will be a few losses from this kiln. Hoping those losses are just what I can see through the spy-holes. Cursing myself for risking a couple of pieces which may not have been totally dried out but that's the life of a potter I suppose.
Resulting mayhem may be posted in the week.
At first it didn't appear too bad but if you look closely there a little dots on the kiln shelves they are bits of exploded pot.
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| The first sight of the cause of the problem |
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| that had been a16" diameter charger, disintegrated. |
All the plates and platters were ruined about 25% of the pots were ok and 20% rescued with a chisel and carburundum stone.
A hard lesson, just shows how even after so many years a moment of stupidity is still possible
Well after two superb kilns a complete and utter disaster! Onto the rest of life.
All the grass cut before two weeks away in Cumbria
