Glaze Making and Understanding Materials: An Introduction

When & Where

13 May 2023 - 27 May 2023 ( 15 hours, 3 weeks )
Day Time, Saturday
View course timetable
Waterloo Centre

Quick Facts

Availability No
Tutor Elena Gileva
Course Code W22CRSA04A
Suitable For 19 year olds and up are permitted on this course

What you will learn

This course, is aimed at students who want to start developing their own glazes. You will be introduced to the basic principles underlying glaze recipes and discover what role particular materials play in a glaze. You will gain a deeper understanding of the chemical processes that occur during a firing. Practical activity includes making glaze tests, weighing and mixing test glaze batches, adding colouring oxides and making line blends. Each session you will review, analyse and discuss your results as a group, to develop your understanding of glaze technology.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

Identify glaze ingredients and the role they play in a glaze
Practice weighing and mixing glazes
Identify how metallic oxides are used to colour glazes
Discuss and analyse your glaze fired results
Demonstrate awareness of Health and Safety issues in ceramics through safe studio practice, with consideration towards others

Cost

Full fee

£160

Concession fee

£120

Class format and activities

You will be listening and note taking about the chemistry of materials. You will be creating test tiles and batch glazes and firing these to different temperatures. You will be creating line blends using two glazes to see the potential of the glaze materials . You will be working in pairs to help understand and share information and results.

Entry requirements

This course is for students with a fundamental understanding of the ceramic process and some experience in making and glazing ceramics.

What you need to know before you enrol

What you need

A notebook and pen will be essential. You will also need an apron or old shirt. Appropriate masks will be available to buy at £3 each. you may bring your own.

What you can do next

Morley College offers a wide range of courses at all levels of ability. We recommend you attend at least 2 terms on the beginner course before moving on to various mixed level courses. Students can also look to progress onto certificated Part or full time Ceramics or 3D courses such as BETC, BA degree or MA postgraduate courses. Your tutor is also happy to advise in setting up your own studio. Many students go on after several years experience to setting up their own ceramic practice and exhibiting in open studio / house weekends and local and national craft fairs and galleries.