Ben Brierley

Ben Brierley is a Technical Tutor in Ceramics at Loughborough University's School of Design and Creative Arts. With 25 years of professional ceramic art experience, his expertise spans kiln building, wood-fired firing techniques, and clay/glaze technology. His research focuses on material interactions in wood-fired kilns, glaze composition, and the aesthetic outcomes of firing processes. He has published articles in Ceramic Review, The Log Book, and Ceramics Technical, and authored a forthcoming book on kiln design and firing practices (Bloomsbury, 2014).

His work emphasizes handmade ceramics using stoneware, porcelain, and earthenware clays, with an emphasis on ash and flame interaction. Recent projects include experiments with earthenware to explore material character, and a newly designed 28° anagama kiln for enhanced ash deposition. Key exhibitions include 'Earth and Fire' (2013), 'Art in Clay' (2013), and shows at Hatfield House and Ceramics in Charnwood. Collaborations include kiln repair projects and student mentorship in firing techniques. His technical innovations include chimney dampers for controlled reduction and plaster board wadding methods for kiln packing.

Research interests span kiln engineering, sustainable firing practices, and material transformation through high-temperature processes. His work bridges traditional craftsmanship with contemporary ceramic art, prioritizing the interplay between fire, clay, and ash in defining form and texture.