The Moment of Reckoning Approaches

Well Alight

A hardy band of enthusiasts, the curious and others ignored inclement weather on Saturday, 26 November and visited the Wellington Potters’ Association’s (WPA) anagama kiln located in Horokiwi on June and Graeme Houston’s property “Te Haunui”.  This was the WPA’s first official “open day” to view the kiln, although it has been attracting a regular stream of visitors during the course of its construction

To whet the appetite examples of wood fired pots, provided by Richard Stratton, were on display at the open day as were some publications on anagama pottery.  The interior of the kiln, as seen from the door, and adobe clad exterior were closely examined.  Inspection over, gastric appetites were satisfied by scones, coffee and tea kindly provided by June Houston

Mal Sole, Alan Ross & Shige Ohashi - Smiling For The Camera

A major project milestone was reached on Saturday, 14 January 2006.  The kiln had its first baptism of fire, so to speak, with the formers used to build its roof being burnt out.  The formers were the work of John Wells who has made a significant contribution to the project. 

The day started auspiciously with an early morning earthquake arousing many people from their slumber.  Forecast early morning rain did not eventuate.

Wayne Blackburn & Richard Stratton Side Stoking

Final preparations for the burn-out were made on the preceding Wednesday when the extension to the roof of the kiln shelter was completed and chains to raise and lower twin dampers were installed.  Central to the burn-out proceeding was a fire permit and this was forthcoming on the Friday.  (The Fire Service was also notified to ward off any concerns that might arise from distant neighbours reporting a fire in Horokiwi.)  In this we were blessed with a certain amount of luck as we were told that a total fire ban was due to come into force a week later.  Timing is everything!

Shige Ohashi Nuturing The Fire

The first firing had been planned for February but was postponed until March.  This was to allow more time for work to be done on the kiln and to give members sufficient time after the Christmas break to make pots for the firing.  There was also a sneaking suspicion that more firewood was needed.  In the event, because of the fire ban, the February firing could not have proceeded.

The master of firing ceremonies for the burn-out was Shige Ohashi who had recently returned from a trip to Japan where he had the pleasure of firing an anagama kiln.  A small platform of bricks was built in front of the wicket (brick door) on which a fire was lit at (for the record) 9.30 am.  Once well alight this fire was eased into the kiln and the process of stoking the kiln began in earnest.  As none of us had had first hand

Shige Ohashi & Roger Pearce - Post Burn-out Inspection

experience of burning out kiln formers before there were various optimistic and pessimistic estimates of how long the process might take.  We erred on the cautious side and, in anticipation of a long firing, cut up a lot of pallets and demolition timber donated by Graeme Houston for use as fuel.

To celebrate the occasion, the culmination of two year’s work, members, friends and Horokiwi residents were invited to participate in a picnic-cum- barbeque hosted by the Houstons.  The kiln was well alight as the picnickers began to gather at midday to admire the kiln, catch up with friends and take in the superb views of the harbour.

View Of Side Stocking Ports

The kiln pulsated and smoke issued from its various orifices, including the chimney.  This was the invitation for various adventurous souls and pyromaniacs to heave wood into the kiln with great gusto.  Some side stoking was also indulged in and soon a great sea of hot embers was created. Expanding cracks in the adobe were repaired and an energetic Richard Stratton applied a liberal coating of clay to the wicket.  Subsequently a mixture of cow manure and clay was used to repair the larger cracks.

In addition to burning out the formers the other purpose of the firing was to dry out the kiln in anticipation of the first “proper” firing in March. These goals were deemed to have been achieved by mid-afternoon and the fire was left to subside.  The 40 or so people who celebrated the burn-out seemed well satisfied with the occasion and a number volunteered to go on the roster for the firing in March when, keeping our fingers crossed, the total fire ban will have been lifted.

Smoke Gets In Your Eyes

Since the burn-out a “sutema” (pronounced “stema”) wall (baffle) dividing the kiln has been built.  The “sutema” is a small chamber at the back of the kiln, a feature of anagama kilns. Other tasks include cutting kiln shelf props from bricks, cutting more firewood and preparing a firing roster for the first firing.  Special glazes have been prepared for those who wish to glaze their pots as opposed to those who are happy to leave them naked to be ash glazed by the kiln itself.  . 

The kiln will be loaded from Thursday 16 to Saturday 18 March and probably fired from the Saturday until at least Tuesday 21 March - subject to the lifting of the current fire ban.  At the moment we contemplate dividing the firing day into four 6 hour shifts but this will depend on the number of people who volunteer and the wood firing expertise available amongst them.  There will sleeping bag accommodation on site for those who need it in the Houston’s whanau room near the kiln.

The first firing is awaited with mounting excitement and, to be completely honest, a certain amount of trepidation.  It has been a long and interesting haul.

Alan Ross

Read Alan's story Part 1   Part 2   Part 3   Part 4   Part 5     Part 6
The Barbeque	"Sutema" Wall	Elaine Marland & Mal Sole - Explaining The Finer Points