#  Saggar Firing Workshop with Tom Hubbard - Fall 2026 

 



    ![two saggar-fired bottles by Tom Hubbard](/sites/g/files/omnuum4081/files/styles/hwp_5_4__480x385/public/2026-06/Saggar2_Hubbard.jpg?h=536459c8&itok=uRnKYO-v) 

 



 

####  calendar\_today Date and Time 

 **October 26 - November 24, 2026** 

 12:00PM EDT 

####  pin\_drop Location 

 **OFA Harvard Ceramics Program**  

 [224 Western Ave  
Allston, MA 02134  
United States



 ](<https://www.google.com/maps?q=US MA Allston 02134 224 Western Ave>) 



 

 [ Registration information arrow\_circle\_right ](#reg) 

 



 

*Registration for this workshop is limited to those registered for a Fall 2026 course at the Ceramics Program, Office for the Arts at Harvard. Registration opens Wednesday, September 9 at 10am.*

In this intensive, multi-session workshop, students will begin with an orientation led by instructor Tom Hubbard. This session will provide an overview of saggar firing, including techniques for preparing ceramic surfaces with terra sigillata—a refined slip used to seal the clay and enhance the unique effects of this low-fire process.

Participants will learn how to load their work into ceramic saggars along with various combustibles and oxides to create controlled atmospheric effects. The orientation will also cover firing strategies, appropriate work sizes, and material choices.

Once prepared, the saggars will be loaded into the kiln and fired. After an overnight cooling period, the kiln will be opened, and participants will review and clean their finished pieces.



 

##  Workshop Schedule 

*You must participate in the loading session AND the scheduled unload/cleanup session to have work included in the kiln firing.* Please check your schedule carefully before registering to ensure you can fulfill these requirements.

### Orientation:

Monday, October 26, 12:00pm - 1:00pm Small Classroom

### Loading:

Monday, November 23 12:00pm - 2:00pm

### Firing:

Monday, November 23, 2:00pm - 8:00pm

### Unload, Cleanup, and Critique work:

Tuesday, November 24, 3:00pm - 5:00pm



 

##  Cost &amp; Registration information 

Registration for this workshop is limited to those currently enrolled in a Ceramics Program course. Cost: $100; FREE for Harvard College Undergraduates. Registration will open on Wednesday, September 9 at 10:00AM. **A link to register for this workshop will be sent by email to those enrolled in a Fall 2026 Ceramics Program course.**



 

##  What makes Saggar Firing different? 

 



    ![detail of sagger-fired vessel with wire wrapped around it](/sites/g/files/omnuum4081/files/styles/hwp_3_4__480x640/public/2026-06/Saggar1_Hubbard.jpg?itok=WD5_ry_e) 

 

 

 

   

Saggar firing shares some similarities with raku firing but has several key distinctions:

- Terra sigillata is applied to seal the clay surface, allowing fuming oxides and smoke from combustibles to create soft, atmospheric, and painterly effects.
- Saggar firing occurs at low temperatures, producing decorative, non-functional work. Because the clay does not fully vitrify, finished pieces are not suitable for functional use.
- After cleaning the works may be waxed with a paste or liquid wax to seal the surface and enhance color.

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 



 

 See also:- [ 2026 Fall ](/term/2026-fall)
 
 

 Share on:- [     Facebook ](#)
- [     Twitter ](#)
- [     Linkedin ](#)
 


 Save: [ Add to calendar calendar\_today ](https://ofa.fas.harvard.edu/node/1616316/event-feed.ics)  Copy link link