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40 – 2026 – Peter Montgomery & Lena Butschek – Fire, Form & Function II
September 27 – October 10 2026
Throwing and wood firing
Some throwing experience required, wood firing experience not essential
Introduction
This is the second edition of the course Fire, Form & Function, taught by Peter and Lena. They will guide you through an intensive making session, which will culminate in firing the train kiln. Through demonstration and discussion, they will share their insights into creating functional, wheel-thrown pots that are more likely to withstand the rigours of wood firing, while making the most of what it has to offer.
Techniques taught
- making functional pots with the potential challenges of wood firing in mind;
- throwing, trimming, handle pulling and assembling forms;
- preparing for a wood firing (wadding, cone packs, wood preparation, clamming clay);
- strategies to increase your success rate in the train kiln (packing location, ashing and appropriate selection of glazes and clay bodies);
- packing and reduction firing of the train kiln;
Teaching method
Fire, Form & Function is a hands-on workshop, delivered as a making cycle in a nutshell. Peter and Lena will guide you through making at the wheel with wood firing in mind. The communal firing in the second half of the workshop will see you involved in every step of the process, from packing, to firing, as well as unloading the kiln. Finally, a joint analysis of the results will help you understand what did and didn’t work, and crucially, why.
Logistics
A delicious mid day meal is included on all working days. At booking, you may select your preferred room type, choosing between standard lodging, single room and/or upgraded accommodation. Please note that depending on the availability, certain types at times may not be offered.
The Artists
Peter Montgomery and Lena Butschek work and live in Austria, where they established a workshop in 2020.
Peter is a potter from Belfast who makes functional porcelain tableware. His interest lies in ergonomic forms that are beautiful to look at and a pleasure to use. He first trained in wood firing with Nic Collins and Rob Barrron before working under Svend Bayer for three years. montgomeryporcelain.com
@petermontgomery
Lena makes functional stoneware that inspires daily use. Her designs aim to marry form and function in a beautiful yet useful object. Lena trained in diverse ceramic settings with potters in Italy, Japan, Scotland, Spain and England.
| Artists: | Peter Montgomery & Lena Butschek |
|---|---|
| Length of course | 10 working days in the studio |
| Technique | Throwing, Wood and/or soda firing |
| Level | For all levels, Intermediate |
| Total cost: | € 3280 |
| Deposit for booking | € 900 |
Workshop fee & Lodging
The costs listed include both the workshop fee and the lodging.
15 MINUTES WALK FROM THE STUDIO
Standard accommodation in shared double room with shared bathroom: Final course cost Euro 3740
Standard accommodation in single room with shared bathroom: Final course cost Euro 4080
ON SITE
Upgraded accommodation in single room with ensuite bathroom. Final course cost: Euro 4480
Upgraded accommodation in single room with double bed and ensuite bathroom. Final course cost: Euro 4580
PRIVATE APARTMENT
Maximum 15 minutes walk from the studio, with one bedroom, kitchen, bathroom and outside space. Final course: Euro 4720
Course without lodging Euro 3280
Additional Information
The workshop fee includes the following:
Tuition of 6 – 8 hours per day;
Studio open 11 hours per day;
All materials and firings;
Lodging in shared double room in apartments of simple standard at maximum 15 minutes walking distance.
Single room and/or upgraded accommodation on request, at additional fee. All apartment types have shared kitchen and shared bathroom facilities. Please note that at times, not all room types may be available.
Freshly prepared three course lunch with wine on all working days;
Welcome breakfast, Welcome and Final dinner;
Coffee break in the mornings and in the evenings.
Payment and Refund Policy
A deposit is required at registration. After submitting the registration form, you may proceed with the payment on-line. If you choose to pay by bank transfer, the registration will be confirmed once the deposit has been accredited in our banking account. The balance must be paid at the beginning of the course.
Cancellations
You may withdraw within 14 days of registration without incurring in any penalties and will have the deposit fully refunded. No refund of deposits past 14 days of registration, pursuant to articles 53 and following of the Italian consumer legislation, in accordance with the EU consumer protection legislation. In the event of disputes, the competent court is Florence. If the workshop cannot be hold because of an insufficient number of students, the deposit will be fully reimbursed.
Force Majeure
Students must know that cancellations may occur due to events beyond our control (e.g. pandemic, civil disorder, medical or family issues of the instructor). In such case, La Meridiana reserves the right to offer a voucher for a different workshop of your choice. The voucher is valid for two years. The deposit will be transferred to the workshop of choice.
