Glaze Group Meeting

9th October 2007

The meeeting opened by welcoming a newcomer to the glaze group, Sue Morton.  Mike Bush was absent but sent along his latest test samples for us to look at.

The first batch of Mikes' samples were of Mike Baileys' Titanium based Chun glazes.  Mike found that the amount of blue colour was determined by the iron found in the base clay or from the addition of iron oxide.  He also found that cobalt slip reacts with the titanium in the Chun to give a green colour and that the presence of copper destroys the Chun leaving a dirty, grey glaze.

The other group of samples are that of barium matt glazes, based on Mike Bailey's recipe, with varying amounts of copper oxide.  Some lovely blue and green glazes were obtained.

Chun glazes were generally discussed and both Charles and Diana had brought examples of bowls they had glazed using Charles' artificial ash glaze on top of a black slip and very effective they were.  On diana's, the slip was applied to a leatherhard pot and when dry she rubbed it down to reveal areas of the base clay, leaving, when fired an almost animal skin like design.  Another of Diana's pots was decorated with a crystalline glaze giving some wonderful oriental, fern like patterns.

It was agreed, at Charles' suggestion, that as a group, we should carry out a triaxial blend test on a blue green glaze at the next meeting using three base glazes which Charles would provide.  As the glaze contains 45% chine clay it is extremely dry and requires modifying to make it less dry.

The next Glaze Group Meeting will be at Diana Carter's home:  "Dellcroft", Hensting Lane, Owlesbury, Nr Winchester at 12 noon on Tuesday 11th December 2007.  Could all participants bring along 15 small bisque tiles for the triaxial glazing demo. Everyone is welcome.  A contribution towards a light lunch will  be appreciated.  Let Diana Carter (01962 777297) know if you plan to attend.