Glaze Research Lab – Potterybytolu Studios

Glaze Research
Lab

A structured, collaborative ceramic research program focused on glaze chemistry, guided testing, and shared analysis.

Pottery by Tolu Studio — Winnipeg

20,000 Glaze Recipe Research Project

The 20,000 Glaze Recipe Research Project is a collaborative ceramic research initiative focused on developing a comprehensive database of glaze recipes. The project will begin with selected base glazes. Different metallic oxides will then be systematically added to the base recipes to explore how they influence glaze colour, texture and surface quality. Participants will work together to weigh and mix glaze materials, prepare test batches, and apply the glazes to ceramic test tiles. After firing, we will examine and discuss the results, document our observations, and identify successful recipes for inclusion in the glaze database. The project offers participants practical experience in glaze preparation, material testing and understanding how ceramic materials interact with metallic oxides.

8

Participants

8

Glazes

100

Test Results

8

Weeks

Research Framework

How the cohort works

Participants will meet twice a month on Sunday evenings.
Each practical research session will last approximately three hours.
We will begin by selecting and preparing base glaze recipes.
Different metallic oxides will be added in measured amounts to create variations in colour and surface effects.
Participants will work together to weigh and mix the glaze materials.
The prepared glazes will be applied to ceramic test tiles by dipping.
The test tiles will be labelled, documented and fired.
After firing, we will review and discuss the results, including the colours, textures and surface qualities produced.
The recipes and results will be photographed, recorded and added to the glaze research database.

Season Focus

Glaze Exploration

Base glaze formulation and testing.
Systematic exploration of metallic oxide additions.
Colour, texture and surface development.
Collaborative testing, firing and documentation.
Building a comprehensive glaze recipe library.