A shallow pit or a wall built around the fire can protect the fire from wind and slow down the firing process.
This cannot, however, be used in rainy conditions.
Figure 1.3 Pit firing
There are many other designs of kilns, varying from a simple brick or stone surround, to the traditional bonfire
to the more sophisticated Bottleneck and Down Draught kilns. The latter can be used to reach higher firing
temperatures because they distribute the heat more evenly. Despite being more efficient than the traditional
bonfire, such kilns are expensive and complicated to build. They are also difficult to use and maintain.
Figure 1.4 A protected bonfire
There are other types of kilns designed to use other fuels such as gas, oil or electricity.
These are, however, too expensive for traditional potters to buy and run.
Figure 1.5 A Bottleneck kiln
4