Grace BIRKETT KenrickThree-Day Understanding Glaze Development in Depth
1st October, 8th October and 15th October 2027 | 3 Day Workshop | £300
This three-day course explores how glazes are built and why they behave as they do. Starting with the simplest possible glaze systems, each stage of testing builds on the last, with fired results analysed as the course progresses to create a continuous line of investigation. The aim is not simply to develop glazes, but to develop a more rounded understanding of ceramic materials, opening the door to independent and experimental ways of working.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOWThe Course in Detail
Beginning with glazes made from just two or three ingredients, Grace will strip glaze making back to its essentials to help students understand the influence of each material.
Using biaxial and triaxial blends, students will investigate the relationship between clay, flux and feldspathic/siliceous materials before introducing secondary fluxes and exploring how they affect a glaze's character, surface and colour response.
Colour development is explored in depth through systematic colour response tests and line blends using one and two oxides, alongside an explanation of more challenging and surprising colour combinations. The final day focuses on pushing glazes beyond their conventional limits, exploring special effects, troubleshooting, specific gravity and ornamental glaze tests.
By simplifying glazes and rebuilding them step by step, students will develop a deeper understanding not only of glaze chemistry but of ceramic materials as a whole. This process encourages students to think critically about their results rather than simply collecting successful test tiles, developing a broader understanding and providing the foundation for more independent glaze development. It also opens up the possibility of incorporating locally sourced or foraged materials into future investigations.
USEFUL INFO
Course Breakdown
Day 1 – Glaze from Scratch - Friday 1st October
Grace will start the session with a discussion on understanding the key aspects of a glaze – observing glazes, discussion & a quick theory lesson.
With Grace’s tuition students will then start making a glaze from scratch - breaking it down to the basics. Students will continue to make two and three ingredient glazes.
Students will complete Biaxial and Triaxial tests and start thinking about how to design a test tile.
Day 2 – Colour in Flux - Friday 8th October
Grace will introduce secondary fluxes and explain how to understand their effect on a glaze's character and colour response.
Grace will then lead a session on in-depth colour exploration with colour response tests, building on week one recipes.
Students will complete line blends using one and two oxides, with surprising combinations and tricky colours explained.
Day 3 - Pushing the Limits - Friday 15th October
Students will start the session on the final day by looking at special glaze effects and common defects, and Grace will lead a discussion on troubleshooting. Specific gravity will be explained.
Grace will discuss pushing the characteristics of the glaze to the limit (within reason!) and making ornamental glaze tests
The session will end with individual further exploration of a glaze from previous week's tests with guidance from Grace.
Key information
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DATE
1st, 8th & 15th October
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DURATION
3 day workshop across three weeks
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CLASS SIZE
Maximum 10 students
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LEVEL
Suitable for both beginners and experienced potters
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COST
£300 (flexible payment plans available)
GUEST POTTER BIOAbout Grace
Grace Birkett Kenrick is a studio potter based in south London. She makes wheel-thrown, mostly functional stoneware from her zero-waste garden studio, where she also teaches throwing and glaze development courses.
Before returning to her hometown of London, Grace trained with traditional terracotta artisans in Barcelona, later studying ceramics at the Granada School of Art in Andalucía. During her time abroad, she developed a deep interest in the elemental nature of pottery, from atmospheric firings to working with wild clay, while developing her own expressive visual language through glaze making.
Her practice is driven by an ongoing exploration of ceramic materials, investigating how subtle shifts in clay, glaze and fire can transform the character of a pot. Through this process, she creates quietly expressive functional ware that celebrates the richness and complexity of ceramic surfaces.
Grace has recently completed exclusive ceramic commissions for St Barts Restaurant and the Chiltern Firehouse in London, and has exhibited work at the Turner Gallery.
WHO THIS COURSE IS FOR
Level
Suitable for all levels
This course is suitable for curious beginners as well as makers with some experience of glaze making wishing to expand and deepen their understanding and learn a new approach to glaze testing.
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECTThe Schedule
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Welcome Breakfast (from 9am - 10am). The session will start at 10am and will finish at 5pm.
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On the second day the session will start at 9:30am and will finish at 5pm.
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On the second day the session will start at 9:30am and will finish at 5pm.
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A two course lunch is provided everyday. Please inform us of any special dietary requirements at the time of booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
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The Ceramic Studio is located on a beautiful orchard in Brenchley, and there are lots of lovely surrounding towns and villages offering numerous places to stay.
We are happy to arrange transits to and from local accommodation to the studio for the duration of your course. There may be a small fee for this depending on where you are staying. If you know you will require transits please contact us to enquire before booking your accommodation. Please email the office team at info@theceramicstudio.co.uk.
To see examples of local accommodation, click here.
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· There is a small charge for fired work. Charges are as follows:
£5 per 500g for glazed work
£6 per 500g for glazed work with oxide
£10 per 500g for any glazed work over 30cm in height or width
£2 per 500g for work that is bisque fired but not glazed
· Please also note that The Ceramic Studio does not offer a glazing service.
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Yes! During this Guest Potter Workshop, you’ll be treated to a Welcome Breakfast on the first day, plus morning and afternoon refreshments daily, including teas, coffees, sweet treats, and fresh fruit. A freshly cooked two-course lunch, prepared here in the studio, is also provided every day, with dietary requirements confirmed in advance.
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If we haven’t quite answered your question please click here to view our guest potter FAQs page or email us info@theceramicstudio.co.uk