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John Winterbottom and Diana Hall prepare an open fire and a clamp kiln for MBA pot firing.   John gingerly removes the biggest pot from the clamp kiln.   The globular vessel cools - not a single crack.   Variable oxidization creates a beautifully coloured pot.   Another view of the globular vessel with four perforated lugs.

National Archaeology Days were held on the 17th and 18th of July. Preparations at Bestwall started several weeks in advance with John Winterbottom making a large assemblage of 'neo-Bronze Age' pottery, ready for experimental firings. John burnt and crushed his own flint temper and tried a broad range of combinations of clay and tempers. It was notable how quickly simple pottery vessels could be made, dried, fired and be ready for use.

The photographs below feature the biggest vessel fired on the day, measuring about 30 cms across at its widest. The fortuitous colouration was beautiful. Numerous other small vessels and 'cups' as well as miniature thumb pots were successfully fired.

The site was open during one of the days, when exciting archaeology (including a hengiform structure and Bronze Age ditches), together with clamp kiln firings and other activities, brought over 400 visitors once again to learn about our heritage.
Click on the small images below to enlarge them...

Middle Bronze Age Clamp Kiln Pottery

John Winterbottom and Diana Hall prepare an open fire and a clamp kiln for MBA pot firing.   John gingerly removes the biggest pot from the clamp kiln.   The globular vessel cools - not a single crack.   Variable oxidization creates a beautifully coloured pot.   Another view of the globular vessel with four perforated lugs.

Lilian Ladle leads everyone and their dogs on a site tour.   An inquisitive group finds out about Bronze Age potting techniques.   Bestwall's resident weaver Jeremy Hooker in action once again.   After a long day, Janet still has the strength to saw through some corn on the cob for Maureen!