Preservation Advocate

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Kiln furniture

POTTERS USED THESE OBJECTS, known as kiln furniture, to separate vessels when packing them in a kiln to be fired. Kilns are large oven-like structures in which ceramic vessels are fired (heated to very high temperatures) in order to make the new vessels hard. Packing a kiln to ensure the proper temperature is evenly maintained, and all vessels are heated properly, is an important skill for a potter. If a kiln is packed inappropriately or if the heat of the fire is not controlled correctly, an entire kiln full of wares can be lost. Kiln furniture, including trivets, setting tiles, kiln balls, and setting strips such as those seen here were used to space the unfired vessels and to keep them from sticking together while being fired. View examples of stacked objects and kiln furniture.

Isaac and Grace Parker owned one of the many redware potteries that operated in Charlestown during the 18th century. Archaeologists working on Boston's Central Artery north Area in 1986 excavated the site of the Parker workshop, home, and kiln. The site was not far from today's City Square Park. This pottery was notable not only for its redware, but also for making stoneware a harder and more durable ceramic.