Glaze Development & Ceramic Firing Techniques Workshop

Whether you are an emerging ceramic artist or an experienced potter looking to expand your glaze knowledge, this workshop will provide practical skills, confidence and creative inspiration.

Under the guidance of renowned ceramic artists Gary Hambleton and Japneet Keith, you’ll investigate the science and artistry behind successful glazes while developing your own unique glaze palette through extensive hands-on testing and experimentation.

Glaze Development & Ceramic Firing Techniques Workshop

with Gary Hambleton & Japneet Keith

Join us for an inspiring five-day immersive workshop exploring the fascinating world of glaze development, ceramic chemistry and high-temperature firing techniques. Whether you are an emerging ceramic artist or an experienced potter looking to expand your glaze knowledge, this workshop will provide practical skills, confidence and creative inspiration.

Under the guidance of renowned ceramic artists Gary Hambleton and Japneet Keith, you’ll investigate the science and artistry behind successful glazes while developing your own unique glaze palette through extensive hands-on testing and experimentation.

Workshop Details

Dates: Friday 2 October – Tuesday 6 October 2026

Time: 9:00 am – 4:30 pm daily

Location:
Old Stables Pottery Studio & Gallery
Mullalyup, Western Australia

Workshop Fee: $950 per person

Materials: All workshop materials are included.

Please Bring:

• 16 bisque-fired test tiles measuring 5 cm × 5 cm

• Notebook and pen

• Apron and enclosed footwear

• Lunch and water bottle

The test tiles will be used for your own glaze experiments, including overglaze and underglaze combinations, allowing you to take home a personalised library of glaze results.

What You’ll Learn

Over five intensive days you will:

• Understand the fundamentals of glaze chemistry

• Learn how raw materials influence colour, texture and surface

• Mix and test approximately 30 base glazes

• Explore line blends and triaxial blends

• Develop your own personal glaze palette

• Experiment with oxides, stains and colouring minerals

• Learn reduction firing principles and kiln atmosphere

• Record and evaluate glaze testing methods for future reference

Throughout the workshop you’ll gain practical knowledge that can immediately be applied in your own studio practice.

Live Kiln Firings

A highlight of the workshop is witnessing the firing process firsthand.

Two live kiln firings are included:

• Day 2 – Reduction firing demonstration

• Day 4 – Second firing and glaze evaluation

Watching the firing process alongside experienced ceramic artists provides invaluable insight into how atmosphere, temperature and timing affect glaze development.

Meet Your Instructors

Gary Hambleton

Gary Hambleton is one of Western Australia’s most respected ceramic artists, with over 50 years of experience working in clay. Renowned for his exceptional reduction-fired ceramics and distinctive rutile blues, copper reds and richly textured surfaces, Gary has spent decades refining glaze recipes and kiln techniques. His generous teaching style and wealth of knowledge make this a rare opportunity to learn from one of Australia’s master potters.

Japneet Keith

Japneet Keith is an industrial designer, ceramic artist and educator with an international background in ceramics and product design. Founder of Red Mug Studio Pottery in Chandigarh, India, Japneet combines technical expertise with contemporary design thinking, helping makers understand both the science and creative possibilities of ceramic surfaces.

Together, Gary and Japneet bring a unique blend of traditional craftsmanship, technical knowledge and contemporary ceramic practice.

Who Is This Workshop For?

This workshop is suitable for:

• Beginner potters wanting a strong understanding of glazes

• Intermediate ceramic artists wishing to improve glaze results

• Professional makers developing their own glaze library

• Studio potters interested in reduction firing

• Anyone passionate about ceramics and surface exploration

No advanced chemistry knowledge is required—just curiosity and a willingness to experiment.

Why Attend?

By the end of the workshop you will leave with:

• A comprehensive collection of tested glaze samples

• Greater confidence mixing and modifying glazes

• A better understanding of ceramic materials

• Practical firing knowledge

• Your own glaze test library to continue developing at home

• New friendships within a passionate ceramic community

Book Your Place

Places are strictly limited to ensure plenty of individual guidance and hands-on learning.

Reserve your place today and spend five inspiring days exploring the endless possibilities of ceramic glazes with two experienced makers in the beautiful surroundings of Old Stables Pottery Studio & Gallery.

We look forward to welcoming you to the studio for five days of creativity, discovery and ceramic exploration.