Unearthing a Heritage – Bricks, Dragon Kilns & Studio Potteries

Singapore Clay Festival 2021 Inaugural Keynote Talk

(On-Site & On Zoom)

Unfortunately, one of our Keynote speakers, Dr Lai Chee Kien has taken ill. Professor Anoma Pieris of the Faculty of Architecture Building and Planning, University of Melbourne will be speaking in his place.

Singapore is blessed with a range of clays suitable for pottery works. From these clays, bricks were fired for the ancient structures during pre-colonial times and colonial settlements, and dragon kilns made urns, jars and other clay wares from the early 1900s.

‘Unearthing a Heritage – Bricks, Dragon Kilns & Studio Potteries’ explores all these elements as a setting for contemporary ceramic practice in Singapore today.

Masterpotter Chua Soo Kim will speak on the history of Sam Mui Kuang dragon kiln and describe the processes and products of the commercial kiln, while Professor Anoma Pieris will talk ‘About Bricks in Singapore’. Professor Pieris will trace the history of bricks in Singapore, from the early years of colonisation to its heyday in the mid-twentieth century. She will also discuss the kilns’ locations and technology, and introduce some buildings constructed from Singapore-made bricks.

The Singapore Clay Festival is committed to presenting its workshops, masterclasses and keynote talk in an environment that is safe for everyone. We will observe the Government’s prevailing safety guidelines and management measures.

For more information, visit the Singapore Clay Festival website.