Expert: Leisha Hiester - 1/29/2009

Question
QUESTION: Dear Leisha....

I am currently a student at the University of Brighton studying towards a degree in architecture. I am currently in the final year of my degree and would like to request your help. As part of my course we have been asked to design a factory in London (along brick lane to be precise). I have chosen to design a pottery as I think this could be interesting spatially as well as contextually. However I have very limited knowledge into the facilities needed within a pottery, and the approximate sizes. The plan is essentially to design a factory in which visitors are able to experience, and perhaps take part in, the different elements of pottery. This is where I would like to ask your help if at all possible. I would like to know about the different stages of creating a pot (ie from a lump of clay to the finished article) as well as the facilities and space needed to accommodate this.

Any help you can provide will be invaluable to my design process and although this will not be built in reality it will allow me to design a building which is believable and convincing,

Therefore in short i would like to know about the pottery process, from lump of clay to a finished peice, the facilities needed, ie benches, kilns etc, and possible sizes?

Many thanks for your time,

Yours Sincerely,
Ashley Line
University of Brighton


ANSWER: Ashley,
How exciting! I am thrilled to help you. What I'd like to do is look up some existing potteries to show you to begin with. I have some appointments this a.m. to tend to, but I will be thinking about your project and try to get back to you this afternoon. What is your deadline?
Leisha

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Leshia,

Thanks for the reply,

The project is currently in the research and development stage so there is no real deadline but as soon as possible will enable me to progress with my project!

Im glad that this interests you! Always good to know

once again thanks

ashley

Answer
Ashley,
Here are the basic steps to pottery;

Receiving supplies; clay, glaze materials, etc.
Mixing area; clay & glazes
Throwing; potter's wheels
Trimming
Drying
Decorating
Firing; Kilns
Sorting
Packing
Shipping

For some; recycling clay is important so you need a recycling area.
If pieces are detailed; a decorating area may need to be mor than a glazing area.
I found this terrific link for you;http://www.ceramicartsdaily.org/books/bookpotteryworkshop.aspx

I get ceramicartsdaily and you can also research their site for questions. I hope this helps. Leisha