Grayshott Pottery, designers and producers of 'in house' studio art ceramics for galleries and homes, as well as catering-ware to many high street restaurants around the UK, is planning a very unusual event in a few weeks time, on Saturday 24th July.

The pottery plans to build its own kiln and then hold a Raku Event, as part of its latest run of activities to introduce their customers and visitors to all things ceramic!

Ed Snell, Managing Director of the 50 year old business said, "Raku, is a Japanese technique of glaze firing using fire and smoke to create unique patterns and designs. With Raku pottery, the pot is glazed and placed into the pre heated kiln (800 degrees C), with long handled tongs. The firing process takes from between ten to fifteen minutes. When the glaze is seen to be mature the pieces are removed with the tongs and smoked in sawdust. After another couple of minutes they are then quenched in water and cleaned. This process together with the appropriate glaze gives the characteristic rustic finish, colour and porous texture of Raku ware".

Glenn Myers, Production Director added, "We have been running monthly events, at the Pottery, since March this year but this Raku event, will be our most unusual event so far. This event will be run by our most experienced crafts-people. For those who can't get a ticket we are holding a BBQ and hope that our customers and visitors will be able to join us one way or another!"

The Raku event costs £25 per person and the day starts at 11am on Saturday 24th July. The event will be held outside, so is very much weather dependent. The organisers ask that all under 16s are accompanied by an adult. Places are limited and advance booking is essential. The ticket price excludes the BBQ.

For more information contact Grayshott Pottery, School Road, Grayshott, Near Hindhead, Surrey GU26 6LR. For bookings - please telephone 01428 604404 or email gifts@grayshottpottery.com