Mark Gittins

Woodfiring pottery in the depths of Sherwood Forest with Mark Gittins. What a fantastic experience it was to make this film!
The temperature gets to 1,300 degrees Centigrade - and when we started it was barely above freezing, and heavy rain made it a challenge even to reach the site. It takes over 12 hours to complete the firing, adding wood or raking the fire every 5-10 minutes or so - tiring, exhausting, but totally exhilarating work. And that doesn't include the days in preparation cutting and splitting the wood, and creating the pots to be fired.
As Mark describes, there is real jeopardy to the process: so many things that can go wrong. Will this firing prove a thrilling success, or was this one of those days when the Kiln Gods sneezed and everything ended in broken fragments? Or dull grey blobs? You'll have to watch to the end to find out.
It isn't just about skilled potters honouring a centuries old tradition, it's also testament to the wonderful teamwork and camaraderie of the people involved. A huge thank you, to the Sherwood Forest Woodfiring Society for letting me into the secrets of your craft:
Ann, Jenny, Neil, Richard, Steve, Sue, and of course Mark who was my guide throughout.
I can't wait for the next one!