As well as using Askam grog and Cumbrian slate in my work, I have been able to source a lump of iron ore from the local area. This material is a significant find as iron ore transformed Barrow In Furness from a village of farmers to the industrial town we have today.
Surprisingly the raw material very quickly turned into powder which meant it was easy to process. Material tests were carried out over a number of weeks. Initially the iron ore was fired to bisque temperatures (1000C) but resulted in no change in the composition of the material (bottom left picture). Further tests were carried out in oxidation to 1280C (bottom right picture). The iron ore slightly melted at this temperature but it was not possible to melt it sufficiently to create a runny glaze.
Comments