MORVERN POTTERY at Rhemore in Morvern, Scotland - and at his studio at The Knott in Cumbria - is where Chris Barnes makes his Stoneware and Raku pots.

The Stoneware comprising a range of bowls, plates, mugs, jugs, vases etc. is thrown using a kickwheel and completed with various high fired glazes. I formulate my own glazes using a variety of minerals to produce a rich colour response combined with a very durable surface. Each of the pots is unique as a result of the entire making process. First the clay is hand thrown on the wheel or slabbed to produce the forms. After the first firing the glaze is applied by hand. Finally careful control of the kiln atmosphere during the second firing brings out the character of the ware, its colours and durable finish.

The Raku Pots are hand built using a coarser clay which is able to stand up to the Raku firing process. This involves removing the hot pots from the kiln at about 1000°c with tongs and placing them in a bin filled with hay, or other burnable stuff. The burning that takes place as the pots cool results in charing and smoking which gives the Raku ware its distinctive quality.

Technical specifications:
Stoneware fired to 1280°c in a reducing atmosphere.
All the Stoneware pottery is microwave and dishwasher safe.

Raku pots are fired to 1000°c.
Raku pottery is not for food use.

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