Clay
The stoneware throwing body we use is blunged (wet mixed) at the pottery from 3 clays and 2 sands. Donyatt clay is a Somerset clay that forms the base of the body. It has been used since the 11th century to make earthenware. We started working with it in 1968 and could now hardly pot without it! The other clays are Dorset ball clays bought in as dug and mixed to widen working and firing qualities. Of the sands, one is local and super fine, the second is fine with an iron spot and comes from Bedfordshire.

Glazes
Our glazes contain a lot of local materials and are mostly once fired. They have been developed to take advantage of the unique qualities of our wood-burning kilns. Douglas is continually working to widen the range of colours as well as exploring depth and surface qualities.

Firing
Wood has been our fuel following the move here in 1976. There are a number of kilns up to 3 cubic metres and 60+ tons of wood can be drying at any one time. Douglas once had the nick-name Fast-fire King, but now cone 10 firings typically take 12 hours.