A Contemporary Ceramic Restoration & Kintsugi Workshop
Discover a thoughtful approach to repairing and reimagining broken ceramics.
Spend this spring learning the art of thoughtful ceramic restoration with internationally acclaimed artist and ceramics conservator Penny Byrne.
In this four-week workshop, you’ll explore restoration of clay objects and Penny’s conservation-informed contemporary approach to kintsugi. Through practical exercises on test pieces, you’ll learn the principles, materials and techniques used by professional conservators. You will gain the knowledge and confidence to assess and restore your own ceramics beyond the workshop.
At Slow Clay, we believe caring for objects is an important part of caring for the materials they are made from. Rather than discarding broken ceramics, restoration offers us an opportunity to honour an object’s history and extend its life, uncovering new value in what might otherwise be overlooked.
Drawing on more than 30 years of experience in ceramics conservation and restoration, Penny’s approach goes beyond decorative repairs. You’ll discover how different breaks require different solutions, why materials matter, and how thoughtful restoration can create repairs that are both durable and visually considered. Alongside contemporary restoration techniques, you’ll explore Penny’s unique approach to kintsugi, using carefully selected conservation materials to create lasting repairs.
Whether you’re a ceramic artist, maker, collector or simply curious about the art of repair, this workshop offers a rare opportunity to learn from one of Australia’s leading ceramics conservators.
4 weekly sessions
Tuesdays 10 November – 1 December 2026, 6.30 – 8.30 pm
$365 Earlybird/Concession ($385 Normal) 50% deposit to book, balance due 3 weeks before start date.
There will be a materials cost surcharge of $30-$50 (depending on cost) payable to Penny in the first class.
See Penny’s work here
*Kintsugi (金継ぎ, きんつぎ, “golden joinery”), also known as Kintsukuroi (金繕い, きんつくろい, “golden repair”), is the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with lacquer dusted or mixed with powdered gold, silver, or platinum, a method similar to the maki-e technique. As a philosophy, it treats breakage and repair as part of the history of an object, rather than something to disguise. (Wikipedia)
Please note: This workshop explores Penny’s contemporary, conservation-informed approach to kintsugi. Rather than traditional Japanese urushi lacquer techniques or real gold finishes, participants will learn modern repair methods designed to create strong, lasting and visually considered ceramic restorations.