The Laboratory
The Wachtmeister Lab, recognized by the Lazio Region as a “Highly Aesthetic and Cultural Artisan Company”, specializes in the processing of ceramics intended as a combination of sculpture and mosaic art applied to original projects, ranging from interior furnishings to garden design, up to the creation of urban works. Production takes place in two Labs in the heart of Capena, a charming medieval village surrounded by nature just a few steps from Rome.
Among the artisan collections, the workshop offers a rich selection of products dedicated to the home and garden, in traditional ceramic, raku and cement, in addition to the limited editions curated by Giovanni Battista Rea and Rosina Wachtmeister. Urban works of art are also created, designed according to the needs of the client.
Location
Via Dante Alighieri 15 Capena (RM)
Contact us
+39 347 672 0653 giovannibattista.rea@gmail.com
Wachtmeister Lab offers various types of courses, workshops and symposiums, applying different ceramic processing techniques, in various languages: Italian, English, German, Spanish, Chinese (on request).
Shaping clay, using only your hands, is a relaxing and soothing practice. A moment dedicated to yourself, to feeling your emotions and expressing them through your creations.
In a welcoming and inspired environment, master Battista Rea will guide you through every phase of the creative process. Experience the joy of creating unique objects, from the first basic shapes to complex ceramic works of art!
Classic ceramic courses
They include 10 meetings, during which you will learn the clay modeling through various techniques, how to create, forge and paint cups and other objects.
The different techniques for creating shapes will be explored, starting with the pinched technique, then using the sheet and the “colombino”, also with the use of models and molds for pressing. The modeling techniques, including engobe, shaping and decoration will be applied for the creation of vases, bas-reliefs, frames, cups, bowls, plates, candelabras, bottles, lanterns and sculptures of various types.
The course is suitable for adults and children over 4 years old.
Pottery lathe courses
They involve teaching the techniques of working with ceramics on the lathe. We will start from cutting and mixing the clay, moving on to the positions of the hands, with some theoretical references to the history of ancient techniques. The use of various tools will be illustrated, creating various tests of artifacts to train the technique and searching one’s personal style. At the end of the course each student will create an artifact on the lathe as the final result of the course.
The aim of the training is to consolidate a solid base of skills, making each participant able to approach the most complex shapes.
The course is structured in 10 hours of learning divided into 5 lessons.
Lesson 1. Preparation of the clay, demonstration of the path, setting of the posture and position of the hands. First centering phase.
Lesson 2. Development of the technique, analysis and correction during the centering phase. Focus on the opening of the artifact. Creation and analysis of the first cylinder. Refinement of the details.
Lesson 3. Refinement of the basic shape of the cylinder. Introduction of the cone shape.
Lesson 4. Increase in weight. Creation of an open cone and transformation into a bowl. Formation of a closed cone and transformation into a half sphere.
Lesson 5. Analysis and correction of the result. Creation of a test artifact composed of two simple shapes. Creation of the final artifact and coloring with engobes. Firing at 990 degrees, second firing step.
The program will also address the declinations in terms of cylinder shape, handles and spouts, lids, processing from the mass and assembly.
Raku courses
Japanese raku pottery is a technique for creating and firing clay bowls in the service of another art, the tea ceremony. This technique was born in harmony with the Zen spirit, capable of enhancing the harmony of small things and the beauty of simple and natural shapes. The growing demand for pottery for the tea ceremony in 16th century in Japan developed the need to remove the pieces from the oven while they were still very hot, to make the creation processes more efficient. The new color taken on by the glazes due to the thermal shock pushed the ceramists to experiment, developing on the one hand mixtures capable of resisting the sudden change in temperature without breaking, on the other glazes and crystallines whose chemical composition produced particular color effects and shades.
Raku involves firing at a temperature that varies between 750 and 950 degrees, the immediate removal of the bowls and drying in the open air. This technique produces spectacular effects including the black/white contrast and above all the characteristic “craquelè” effect, characterised
by small cracks that create fascinating and surprising designs.
The course is structured in 8 hours of learning divided into 3 lessons. The course can be delivered at home for groups of 6 or more participants.
Lesson 1. Historical presentation on the origins of raku, followed by a practical session of clay modeling. Working with coils and slabs and experimentation with surface treatment techniques: slips, smoothing, incisions. Drying and firing of the objects made and transformation into “biscuits”.
Lesson 2. Coloring of the objects using metal oxides and colored crystalline.
Lesson 3. Firing of the artifacts up to 920 degrees. Extraction of the still incandescent objects and covering with sawdust or dry leaves. Cleaning of the objects with water and abrasive sponges and end of the raku creation process.
The course is suitable for adults aged 18 to 75.
Aperitif-ceramics and pottery brunch
Would you like to live an unusual, fun and creative experience?
Immerse yourself in a fantastic world: that of ceramics.
You will learn to shape clay through the basic techniques (pizzicato, colombino, lastra), creating unique and wonderful pieces of craftsmanship.
All this while sipping a drink and enjoying a tasty aperitif or an excellent brunch.
An experience able of generating unforgettable and happy memories, to live alone or to share with friends and family, and to keep forever in your heart.
“APERI-CERAMICS PRIVÈ”: Do you want to amaze with a truly special surprise? Book an aperitif or a brunch, strictly ceramic-themed, exclusively for you and whoever you want.
It is possible to organize tailor-made events, for anniversaries, birthdays and private parties.
