A Magical Wood Kiln Firing at Muchelney Pottery
Posted February 14, 2025This year marks the 60th anniversary of Muchelney Pottery, a place where tradition, craftsmanship, and creativity come together in the heart of the Somerset Levels. To celebrate this milestone, I had the unique opportunity to witness one of their legendary kiln firings. A process that feels as magical as it is ancient.
A Magical Kiln Firing at Muchelney Pottery
Hidden away in the heart of the Somerset Levels, Muchelney Pottery is a place of deep heritage, where handmade pots take pride of place on tables all around the world. Founded in 1965 by John Leach, the eldest grandson of renowned potter Bernard Leach, Muchelney Pottery has become synonymous with timeless, functional stoneware.
The tradition continues today, with Mark Melbourne at the wheel, carrying forward the legacy of John’s work alongside a dedicated team. This year marks Muchelney Pottery’s 60th anniversary, a remarkable milestone celebrating six decades of craftsmanship and tradition.
I had the privilege of witnessing one of Muchelney’s legendary kiln firings in January 2025.
A truly magical experience that deepened my appreciation for the craftsmanship behind every piece. There is something almost ritualistic about the process, a dance of fire and clay that transforms raw materials into timeless objects.
As I arrived, the air was thick with the scent of burning wood, a warm, earthy aroma that instantly made me feel part of something special. The three-chambered wood fired kiln stood in front of me, its insides aglow with an intense. Mark Melbourne, who has been at Muchelney since 2002, worked alongside a small team, their focus unwavering as they carefully stoked the fire, ensuring the temperature reached a searing 1320°C.
Flames licked at the pots, plate, jug and mug, moving through the kiln shaping and transforming them in a way that no two firings could ever replicate exactly. The energy of the moment was magical, hours of meticulous work on the potters wheel and studio, coming to a this moment as the pots reached their final form. The firing took place over 36 hours, with the team working in shifts, feeding the kiln, adjusting the flames, and waiting for the perfect moment to let the magic happen.
Once the firing was complete, the waiting game commenced. Two long days of cooling would pass before the kiln could be opened, the ‘wickets’ taken down to reveal the treasures inside. And what a reveal it was!
shelves stacked with beautifully toasted pots, each one bearing the signature markings of flame and ash, their rich glazes deepened by the fire’s unpredictable touch. Some pieces carried subtle shadows of stacked pots, while others bore the kiss of embers in the form of speckled, textured finishes.
Seeing these pots emerge from the kiln, still warm to the touch, I couldn’t help but marvel at the history embedded in every curve and glaze. These were not just functional kitchen pieces; they were each pieces of artworks, created by the hands that shaped them.
Muchelney Pottery continues to keep this centuries-old craft alive, offering visitors a glimpse into the world of traditional pottery-making. Their shop and gallery hold a stunning collection of pieces, from mugs and jugs to casserole dishes and bread crocks, each one a testament to the dedication of the Muchelney team.
For those who appreciate the beauty of handmade ceramics, a visit to Muchelney is a must. And if you ever get the chance to witness a kiln firing, take it. There is nothing quite like watching fire and craftsmanship collide, revealing something extraordinary in the process.
Explore the collection at www.johnleachpottery.co.uk and immerse yourself in the world of Muchelney Pottery.
