Alison and Abi Firing Workshops

Contact name: Alison West/Abi Higgins

25
Total bookings

Rating

(32)

almost 7 years
with CraftCourses

Maker's bio

Alison West Ceramics and Abi Higgins Ceramics are known for their distinct styles and contributions to the craft and both show their work nationally. They first crossed paths within the pottery community and have since collaborated on numerous firing workshops, fostering a rich exchange of ideas and techniques. Alison West has gained recognition for her innovative approach to pottery, particularly in the realm of saggar firing and reduction techniques. Her work reflects a unique fusion of traditional craftsmanship with contemporary flair, showcasing intricate patterns and textures brought to life through her saggar firing process. On the other hand, Abi Higgins is celebrated for her expertise in reduction-fired domestic ware and raku firing. Her pieces are characterized by their functional yet aesthetically pleasing designs, often featuring vibrant glazes and captivating surface treatments achieved through the dynamic raku firing method. Together, Alison and Abi's workshops provide a comprehensive exploration of firing techniques, offering participants the opportunity to learn from their wealth of experience and refine their own skills in pottery making. Their collaborative efforts not only enrich the local pottery scene but also inspire aspiring potters to push the boundaries of creativity and craftsmanship.

Courses, kits & gifts

gold award

Christow, Exeter

Raku, Saggar, Barrel & Horsehair Firing Weekend Workshop - APRIL 5TH-6TH AVAILABLE - FURTHER 2025 DATES TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON!!

2 days

Next date: 5th Apr 2025

9 places left

(32)

£335.00

Recent reviews

All maker's reviews

6 Oct 24'

Maria Rossetter reviewed: Raku, Saggar, Barrel & Horsehair Firing Weekend Workshop - APRIL 5TH-6TH AVAILABLE - FURTHER 2025 DATES TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON!!

"I had the best time. Abi and Alison are the best!. We did lots of different firings. It was absolutely amazing and seeing the different results we all achieved. Abi and Alison made the course so much fun and very informative. I learnt a lot and would definitely go back again. I would highly recommend it to anyone who loves pottery or who has never done any ceramics before. The location was beautiful and the homemade lunch and cakes provided were so yummy! I am so pleased with my pots and I will show them of! Thank you Abi and Alison xx🙂 "

22 Sep 23'

Le.Jack reviewed: Raku, Saggar, Barrel & Horsehair Firing Weekend Workshop - APRIL 5TH-6TH AVAILABLE - FURTHER 2025 DATES TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON!!

" Abi and Ali, the tutors, are so generous with their time, skills, materials and energy. A wonderful weekend with like minded people, in a beautiful setting. Plus our fired creations were amazing."

16 Sep 23'

Dee Noble reviewed: Raku, Saggar, Barrel & Horsehair Firing Weekend Workshop - APRIL 5TH-6TH AVAILABLE - FURTHER 2025 DATES TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON!!

"A second visit to this idyllic setting for a weekend of fun and friendship. I learned so much from Alison and Abi and appreciated support and friendship from other participants. A wonderful experience."

18 Jun 23'

Nic Long reviewed: Raku, Saggar, Barrel & Horsehair Firing Weekend Workshop - APRIL 5TH-6TH AVAILABLE - FURTHER 2025 DATES TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON!!

"The two ladies were were very pleasant but there were too many people on the course and the time management was poor, first raku firing could have started before the saggar and barrel firings were opened and then second raku firing could have taken place over lunch. There was a lot of time spent waiting around that could have been used polishing pots had the wax been available. No chance to horse hair or feather fire pots."

Alison and Abi Firing Workshops responded:

"We are sorry you were disappointed in our time management. As you can see from previous reviews, we have never had anything less than 5 stars as everyone who has attended realises that raku firing involves waiting around and not leaving kilns unattended. We do not supply wax as it is extremely expensive and would add to the cost of the workshop but we’re very willing to share knowledge of what we have found after years of research to be the best products. We offer all materials, tools, glazes, washes, expertise, experience, knowledge, lovely location and homemade food, and we are disappointed and saddened this wasn’t enough for you. We do not offer horsehair firing unless time permits, it did not this weekend. It is a raku, saggar and barrel firing workshop and you will see that no other workshops offer such a variety of firing methods. Copper wash and naked raku are specific techniques that require waiting for reduction to take place and kilns to reach specific temperatures. We do hope you are satisfied with the lovely pots you took home and how much you learnt with all the different techniques. "