Please get in touch if you are interested or have any other questions.
Jean Sampson
jean.m.sampson@gmail.com
Instagram – jean.sampson.928
Using the Girel 3E (Ergonomic, ecological and economic) kiln
The Girel 3E kiln at Mid Wales Arts was built by Jean Sampson in 2024. It was designed with
the climate crisis in mind by French potter Jean Girel in 2022. There are currently 9 of these
kilns operating in Europe with increasing interest around the rest of the world. Kiln capacity is
650 litres. The chamber is 600 x 500 x 1100 mm.
Mid Wales Arts Centre is offering various courses based around the kiln. We have had15
successful firings so far. Firings use less wood than most wood kilns with similar capacity. The
vertical firebox allows ergonomic stoking, the kiln is easy to pack with 2 shelf stacks side by
side, so no crawling inside the kiln with a heavy shelf! There is also a venturi system which cuts
down on smoke emissions during reduction.
Individuals are welcomed on a 3-day workshop
Day 1 – glaze your own bisque ware using our range of traditional glazes, pack the kiln using
wads / shells. Candle the kiln at the end of the day.
Day 2 – 6.00am start, the firing is taking 13 – 14 hours currently, using mixed wood and with 2-3
hours reduction, finishing 19.00 – 21.00. All on the course take shifts stoking the kiln and
recording the temperatures and air inlets to the kiln.
Day 3 – a.m. – skills sharing, talk and discussion around the kiln construction and materials,-
p.m. opening and unpacking the kiln, tidying the kiln area and cleaning shelves
Cost – £300 per person, Pot allowance – enough to fill 1 – 2x 50 x 50 cms shelves. Maximum 6
people.
We are also offering the kiln to groups for communal use. The fee includes a range of glazes,
wadding and shells and wood. You will participate in wood prep, packing and firing
£650 ,
Wild camping (with access to a basic washroom) £20 per tent per night. Camper vans £20 per
night.
There is also excellent B&B available on site through Mid Wales Arts (Booking.com)
