Science for Potters

Linda Bloomfield is very well-known not only as a potter but for her expertise when it comes to glazes. With a background as a scientist, it’s little wonder that her latest book Science for Potters is so well-written and informative. With clear explanations of the geology and composition of the raw materials, and the chemistry involved when they are combined and fired, you’ll expand your understanding of what is actually happening, and why. In turn, this will help you be creative when formulating your own glazes. This is probably not a book for complete beginners, but if you’ve started to experiment with glazing, and want a deeper understanding of the reactions and interactions of the various materials, and the effects that heat has on them, then this is an invaluable reference source. However, if you aren’t a whizz at chemistry, and feel intimidated by formulae and maths, don’t worry. This book has recipes that you can follow without having to understand the ‘why’. Once you’ve started out with the basic recipes, by referring to the information in the book you’ll be able to see how to tweak them to get other effects, as you gain confidence and, of course, test, test, test!

This is an excellent book. I have spent countless hours looking for a deeper understanding of why glaze materials do what they do, and to try and understand why my pottery goes right and wrong with differing amounts of success. This is the book I have been looking for. I’d say I have a reasonable understanding of chemistry and didn’t feel over my head with the science behind this book, but if you are at all put off by the title- “science for potters” then don’t be! The science here, although in-depth, is not overwhelming and really helps to give a better understanding of what is happeneing inside your kiln. If you want to better understand your pottery, and the changes that take place whilst creating it, you should buy this book. It’s great.

I am interested in knowing the science of glazes. I am wadeing slowly through. It is quite intense trying to absorb the information. There are good diagrams. I haven't finished it yet because I don't have a lot of time. So far I am interested still.

As a potter I found this book brilliant. It contains very good explanation about the different ingredients of glazes, their role in a glaze recipe and how they work together. It also gives invaluable problem solving advice for how you can remedy glazes that are prone to crawling, crazing, creating pinholes etc. An interesting read and a great handbook for when problems in your glazes arise.

If it had been called chemistry and geology for the potter I would have given it a 5 star review. However there is very little about the physics of ceramics. If for example you're looking for a book that will explain about the thermal COE don't buy this one. If however you want to know more about the chemistry of the different components of either clay bodies or glazes , then this is the one for you. The overall layout of the book is clear and it is pleasantly written.

Very interesting. Helped me understand what was happening within the ceramic process in a more chemical way

Détaillé tant sur la chimie que la géologie, le livre aborde les sujets rarement trouvés dans les autres ouvrages de céramique/poterie.

Easy to understand explanations, quality diagrams, relevant information for potters

I’m still reading, but the info is good and useful.

This is an important contribution to the world of ceramics. It is singularly focused on the mystery of atomic interaction of your clay and glaze materials, and will assist you understanding why, for example, specific temperatures do specific things to your work. You're going to love this book. And appreciate your own work all the more. If I taught ceramics at a University I would use this text for a special class.

This book is approachable, interesting, and gives a good grounding It would certainly help an unscientific potter to better understand their materials and the transformations we require of them. I wholeheartedly recommend it.