Topic outline

  • Tile Stoves

    TILE PRODUCTION AND TILE STOVE RECONSTRUCTION

    The tile stove not only radiates heat, but is also an impressive detail of the home interior, a real center of attraction. The first tile stoves in Europe were created in the 13th century, and they were built in Lithuanian manors from the 14th century. For a long time, luxuriously decorated tile stoves not only heated the homes of nobles, but were also an important symbol of wealth and status. Today it costs thousands of euros to build a new and good tile stove. However, a greater value is to restore tile stoves that have been around for decades or centuries. It requires a lot of specific knowledge, meticulous and long work, but the house will be decorated with a real interior gem that perfectly performs its heating function. Tile stoves are becoming more and more popular, more precisely - going back to fashion and surviving the second golden age. When restoring or even recreating them, it is important to preserve old traditions, follow the requirements of traditional craft heritage, and nurture the quality of materials and processes, thus ensuring the longevity and beauty of the tile stove.

    This is what the tile stove restoration course in this project will tell and teach us!

    The training provides theoretical and practical information for beginner potters who want to learn the basics of tile production and tile stove installation. Twelve different topics will present all necessary steps: production of a pot-shaped tile (Parts 1-6), production of lids for stove cleaning ducts (Parts 7-9), tile burning (Part 10), leaven ceramics (Part 11) and tile stove installation (Part 12).  

    Step by step, the course reveals each stage of production, gives practical and methodological advice, recommends the materials and tools that can be used, and suggests various technological alternatives.

    Gained competencies and practical skills:

    1. Physical properties of clay used in ceramics, clay preparation and use possibilities.
    2. Various principles and skills of clay formation and decoration.
    3. Tools and their use possibilities: types, purpose, properties.
    4. Production skills of two different techniques: throwing and coiling. 
    5. Production skills of lids for stove cleaning ducts and their parts.
    6. Implementation of the burning process of ceramic products.
    7. Leaven preparation and use for ceramic items.
    8. The basics of tile stove installation (building).


    The course provides an opportunity to get acquainted with most of the methodologies used in the craft of tiling and tile installation. Each part will give new tips and technologies that are universal and applicable to all work in this craft. The information in the 12 lessons will provide the methodological basis and knowledge required for the production of pot-shaped tiles and other components of tile stove, and the installation of the stove of your dreams.

    Tools required for practical work: throwing wheel (or hand-powered wheel), gloves, wire (or a strong thread), tousle tool, wooden/metal knife, a piece of leather, kiln and its components for burning (for tile burning)
    Materials required for practical work: clay, water, vegetable oil, oat flour

    We recommend listening to the introductory video and taking care of your safety!

    Master of the course: Dainius Strazdas, ceramist and restorer, the Fine Crafts Association of Vilnius (Lithuania)
    Format of the modules: 12 pieces of video tutorials, subtitles and text-form descriptions
    Full playtime of tutorial videos: 2 hours 20 minutes 51 seconds

    • Part 1

      • Tutorial Video - 1 Page
        THROWING A POT-SHAPED TILE

        Shortfilm - Length: 11 minutes 14 seconds
        Original language of the film: Lithuanian
        Subtitles: English, Estonian, Hungarian, Lithuanian, Portuguese, Swedish, Romanian

        Description of processes shown in the video: The first part of the course introduces the main material - clay - and its properties, and provides basic recommendations on clay moisture, quality kneading, clay mass cutting, etc. The aim of the lesson is to learn how to throw a pot-shaped tile, which is the main component of the installation / reconstruction of a tile stove. In this part, the whole process of tile production is demonstrated step by step. The production of the tile will require prepared clay, a throwing wheel, gloves, water, wire (or strong thread). ...  MORE  >>

    • Part 2

      • Tutorial Video - 2 Page
        MEASURING TOOLS AND THROWING PROCESS

        Shortfilm - Length: 8 minutes 26 seconds
        Original language of the film: Lithuanian
        Subtitles: English, Estonian, Hungarian, Lithuanian, Portuguese, Swedish, Romanian

        Description of processes shown in the video: The second part teaches the basic principles of measurement required to produce tiles of the required size, and the latter for the stoves of the required size. The physical properties of the clay and the change in size of the product during heating (burning) are presented, as well as the main tools that allow to calculate this important shift. The main principles of tile formation during the throwing are presented: thinning, elevation, etc. ...   MORE  >>

    • Part 3

      • Tutorial Video - 3 Page
        THROWING A NECK FOR A POT-SHAPED TILE

        Shortfilm - Length: 11 minutes 10 seconds
        Original language of the film: Lithuanian
        Subtitles: English, Estonian, Hungarian, Lithuanian, Portuguese, Swedish, Romanian

        Description of processes shown in the video: The lesson presents in detail the steps of forming a tile’s neck. The neck of the tile is an important part of the tile that is designed to engage the backs of the tiles. A new tool is used for this process – a tousle tool; its function and importance are introduced... MORE  >>

    • Part 4

      • Tutorial Video - 4 Page
        PRODUCTION OF A SMALL POT-SHAPED TILE

        Shortfilm - Length: 13 minutes 30 seconds
        Original language of the film: Lithuanian
        Subtitles: English, Estonian, Hungarian, Lithuanian, Portuguese, Swedish, Romanian

        Description of processes shown in the video: Production of smaller and narrower tiles is introduced. These tiles are part of the overall structure of the tile stove, which are produced in a specific shape to fit between the larger pot-shaped tiles. This part presents all technological solutions (size, shape, individual specific parts) and their production technology step by step. ...  MORE  >>

    • Part 5

      • Tutorial Video - 5 Page
        COILING TECHNIQUE TO MAKE A TILE

        Shortfilm - Length: 12 minutes 6 seconds
        Original language of the film: Lithuanian
        Subtitles: English, Estonian, Hungarian, Lithuanian, Portuguese, Swedish, Romanian

        Description of processes shown in the video: This part introduces another method of tile production - forming a tile from coils on a hand-powered wheel. A hand-powered wheel has been used in the territory of Lithuania for more than 1000 years and is perfectly suitable to be used today. This part also explains how to make a hand-powered wheel yourself. The process of forming a tile from coils is also demonstrated step by step, which was more widely used until the 16th century, when throwing wheels became widespread in the area. This technique is important for the reconstruction of old tile stoves and for the work with archeological material. ...  MORE  >>

    • Part 6

      • Tutorial Video - 6 Page
        BEATING A TILE MADE FROM COILS

        Shortfilm - Length: 10 minutes 52 seconds
        Original language of the film: Lithuanian
        Subtitles: English, Estonian, Hungarian, Lithuanian, Portuguese, Swedish, Romanian

        Description of processes shown in the video: The lesson presents the beating process of a tile made from coils, its functional importance, and a beating methodology. A curved wooden tool is used for the process, its production and functions are presented. You will also need: a wooden or iron knife, a piece of leather. The importance and methodology of beating joints and edge formation are emphasized. ...   MORE  >>

    • Part 7

      • Tutorial Video - 7 Page
        PRODUCTION OF LIDS FOR STOVE CLEANING DUCTS (Part I)

        Shortfilm - Length: 10 minutes 27 seconds
        Original language of the film: Lithuanian
        Subtitles: English, Estonian, Hungarian, Lithuanian, Portuguese, Swedish, Romanian

        Description of processes shown in the video: The lesson details the production process of the lids for stove cleaning ducts. This part of the stove is necessary to clean the stove from ash and soot, thus ensuring the proper functioning of the stove. A plate and a neck are made in order to make the cleaning duct and the lid. The first part of the topic demonstrates the production of a lid (plate) using a restored wooden press mold. ...  MORE  >>

    • Part 8

      • Tutorial Video - 8 Page
        PRODUCTION OF LIDS FOR STOVE CLEANING DUCTS (Part II)

        Shortfilm - Length: 12 minutes 43 seconds
        Original language of the film: Lithuanian
        Subtitles: English, Estonian, Hungarian, Lithuanian, Portuguese, Swedish, Romanian

        Description of processes shown in the video: The second part of the production of the lids for stove cleaning ducts demonstrates the process of attaching the neck to the plate. The neck is a part that enters the construction of the stove and allows to clean the duct from burning products (ash, soot). Technological processes of neck throwing, shaping, modeling to the plate are demonstrated, as well as the final works of the whole "mechanism": smoothing, ornamentation, etc. Production will require an additional drop of vegetable oil. ...   MORE  >>

    • Part 9

      • Tutorial Video - 9 Page
        PRODUCTION OF LIDS FOR STOVE CLEANING DUCTS (Part III)

        Shortfilm - Length: 10 minutes 52 seconds
        Original language of the film: Lithuanian
        Subtitles: English, Estonian, Hungarian, Lithuanian, Portuguese, Swedish, Romanian

        Description of processes shown in the video: This part will teach you how to make the last part of the lids for stove cleaning ducts - the handle. The processes of handle formation, ornamentation, attaching to the lid and finishing are demonstrated. ...   MORE  >>

    • Part 10

      • Tutorial Video - 10 Page
        PREPARING AND LOADING A STOVE FOR TILE BURNING

        Shortfilm - Length: 11 minutes 35 seconds
        Original language of the film: Lithuanian
        Subtitles: English, Estonian, Hungarian, Lithuanian, Portuguese, Swedish, Romanian

        Description of processes shown in the video: High quality burning of tiles is one of the most important production processes. This part explains how to load the kiln with tiles correctly, as well as what wood to use for burning, how to light fire in the kiln and get the necessary flame for a high quality burning process. Much attention is paid to the various important steps of burning from lighting a fire to burning the tiles, advice is given on how to do it correctly and to keep the tiles from cracking during the burning. ...   MORE  >>

    • Part 11

      • Tutorial Video - 11 Page
        DIPPING TILES INTO THE LEAVEN

        Shortfilm - Length: 11 minutes 4 seconds
        Original language of the film: Lithuanian
        Subtitles: English, Estonian, Hungarian, Lithuanian, Portuguese, Swedish, Romanian

        Description of processes shown in the video: Another important step waits after burning the tiles - dipping the tiles into the leaven. It is an archaic technology when a leaven closes the pores of the product, making the product waterproof, stronger and more resistant. This part demonstrates the process during which the tiles are removed from the kiln, dipped in leaven and water, cooled, and washed. Leaven production will require: water, oat flour, 2 containers for dipping tiles (leaven and water), sponges. ...  MORE  >>

    • Part 12

      • Tutorial Video - 12 Page
        TILE STOVE INSTALLATION

        Shortfilm - Length: 16 minutes 52 seconds
        Original language of the film: Lithuanian
        Subtitles: English, Estonian, Hungarian, Lithuanian, Portuguese, Swedish, Romanian

        Description of processes shown in the video: Installation of a tile stove (construction, reconstruction) is the final step. This part demonstrates the tile stove installation process in real conditions. The authors and reconstructors of the project tell in detail about the technical and visual solutions adopted and adapted to today's needs, explain the important physical processes that are important for the functioning of the stove, explain all the processes that take place inside the stove during its use. The construction process of the stove is also demonstrated step by step: laying of tiles and formation of rows, masonry of tiles and other parts, various materials used in these processes are indicated. After the construction of the stove the next stage is demonstrated - the preparation of grout for covering gaps and the final finishing of the stove. Stove installation is a long, complicated process that requires a lot of experience and skills, but we hope that this lesson will help you not to be afraid and start learning this part. ... MORE  >>

    • FINAL EXAM