The Kiln Club is based at The University of the Creative Arts Farnham at the outdoor kiln site at the top of the car park.  There is a wood kiln and Gas kilns which are used for Raku Firing.  Membership runs from January to December and is £20 per year which is for four firings per annum at a charge of £10 per firing, this includes raku glazes and firing instructions and use of the kilns.  The wood firing includes preparation of shelves, packing, firing and unpacking of the kiln.  If you join part way through the year the membership is charged proportionally. 

Anyone can join the kiln club regardless of experience as long as you have made some work and bring it along (it is best that this is a stoneware or grogged clay body that can be fired to high temperature in the wood kiln and can withstand the thermal shock of raku firing).  You can put up to four pieces in for firings (this of course is dependant upon the sizes of the pieces).

The picture above shows Eric preparing wood for the wood firing.  An integral part of the firing is preparing the wood.

All equipment is provided (you too can look like you've just came back from space).  Seriously though gloves, masks and protective equipment is provided for your safety.  This is especially the case with raku firing when taking red hot work out of the kilns and placing them in the sawdust which lets off some noxious smoke.

It is a great experience and you can try all parts of the process from packing to taking work out and emerging in sawdust.  Old clothes are best as it is a smokey, messy experience but all worth it when you see the results.

It is not an exact science (it is best to have an open mind of the result) but if you like the suprise of not quite knowing how your work will turn out and are a pyromaniac at heart you will love the experience and the unexpected surface effects.  Pitt firings are also available and there are plans for other types of outdoor firings in the future.