CHESTER SPRINGS, PA — Historic Yellow Springs announced the transition from the fundraising phase to the construction phase of its Wood-Fired Noborigama style pottery kiln. As home to one of the largest publicly accessible wood kilns in the region, Historic Yellow Springs has become a haven for passionate ceramic artists seeking the captivating surface effects of the wood and salt-fired ceramic process.
Recognizing that the existing kiln had reached the end of its functional lifespan, dedicated supporters and passionate artisans jumped in to support the rebuilding costs of the massive kiln. For the final push, Historic Yellow Springs’ board of directors made the crucial decision to allocate the necessary funding to complete the project and initiate the rebuilding process.
Seeing the paramount importance of design and structural integrity for such a robust and vital piece of equipment, Historic Yellow Springs embarked on a quest to secure the expertise of top-notch talent to oversee the project. They turned to the highly acclaimed kiln builder, Ted Neal, renowned for his unparalleled skills within the ceramic community. With an impressive portfolio of constructing over 100 kilns nationwide, Ted Neal’s proven designs have graced renowned universities, private studios, and art centers alike.
The construction phase will be complemented by an immersive hands-on workshop, where participants will have the invaluable opportunity to delve into Kiln Design and Planning, Masonry and Bricklaying, Kiln Ventilation and Draft Management, as well as Kiln Insulation.
Wood-Kiln Building with Ted Neal
Date: August 3 – 13, 2023
Time: 9:30 am – 4:30 pm each day
Location: Chester Springs Studio, Ceramic Studio and Kiln Pavilion
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“I am incredibly excited to have the opportunity to rebuild our kiln.’ Shared Matt Wren, Historic Yellow Springs’ Ceramic Studio Supervisor. “It is an enormous project that would not be possible without the enthusiasm of everyone that participates in wood firings at Historic Yellow Springs, and the dedication of our ceramic students, studio assistants, and instructors. There will be many technical advantages to having a new kiln, but most importantly, it will allow us to continue to offer and expose people to the unique hands-on experience of firing the kiln and continue to share the love and passion for wood-fired ceramics across the region. ”
The existing kiln structure had withstood the test of time, enduring over 160 heating cycles. Each cycle involved a gradual ascent from room temperature to an intense 2,300° Fahrenheit over the span of 24 hours, followed by a slow cooling throughout the subsequent week. This meticulous procedure yields remarkable, one-of-a-kind creations.
During this extraordinary process, dedicated volunteers continuously add wood. As the temperature rises, the ash—much like the ash from an average bonfire at home—will reach its melting point, creating a stunning and distinctive surface on each pottery piece. Every creation emerging from this kiln becomes a truly remarkable testament to the time, place, and unwavering dedication required to produce pottery using this ancient method.
With the capacity to hold up to 500 pieces per firing, many of which are rented out by members and community partners, the kiln offers ample opportunities for learning and exploring various surface techniques. This valuable community asset has garnered the support of generous donors and passionate artisans, who have been contributing to the rebuilding project for the past year.
“As a ceramics instructor and frequent wood firing participant, I feel the wood firing experience is an important and valuable offering to students and potters,” shared Historic Yellow Springs wood kiln donor Suzanne Kent. “It is one of the many things that makes HYS unique and attracts many within the creative community.”
The ultimate test for any equipment lies in its inaugural journey, and a ceramics kiln is no exception. The eagerly anticipated first firing of the newly rebuilt kiln is scheduled to begin on August 19th and will be marked by a celebratory lighting event. We warmly invite members of the community to join us in the subsequent hours and days to witness the captivating process of finishing ceramics solely with the power of wood.
Historic Yellow Springs New Wood Kiln First Firing
Date: August 18 – 20 and 25
Times: August 18: Glazing beginning at 9:30 am
August 19: Loading 9:30 am – 2 pm
August 19 – 20: Firing 2 pm – 2 pm
August 25: Unloading 12 pm – 3 pm
Location: Chester Springs Studio, Ceramic Studio and Kiln Pavilion
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