Nestled amidst the greenery of nature and adjacent to The Potter’s Garden, Jalan Bahar Clay Studios is home to a community of pottery artists and one of the only two surviving dragon kilns in Singapore.
Jalan Bahar Clay Studios: Continuing the Heritage of the Pottery Industry
Inside the compound of Jalan Bahar Clay Studios, it feels as if you have been transported back in time to 1950s, rural Singapore. This is not unsurprising given that it was once part of the pottery industry in Singapore that dates back to that era.
Open sheds, interconnected by simple paths, serve as sheltered workspaces within the compound.
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One of the significant features of Jalan Bahar Clay Studios is its dragon kiln.
Guan Huat Dragon Kiln
Dragon kilns are long brick structures that were used to fire pottery. In the past, the area had 12 dragon kilns churning out ceramics and more.
The one at Jalan Bahar Clay Studios is known as Guan Huat Dragon Kiln. The only other dragon kiln remaining in Singapore can be found at the nearby at Thow Kwang Pottery Jungle.
The Guan Huat Dragon Kiln is 43 metres long, 2.2 metres high and 2.5 metres wide. It was built by Mr Lee Yong Lee and his friends in 1958. Mr Lee had learnt how to build the dragon kiln from his time working at the Goh Hak Soon Pottery Factory.
The dragon kiln is built on a gentle incline. At the front is the “mouth” where it would be fed with wood fuel and there is a chimney at the “tail” of the dragon. Its design draws in heat from the front, through the body and out of the chimney, transforming soft claywork inside the body into durable pottery.
In the past, the dragon kiln would be fired up as often as every fortnight to meet the demand for latex cups used by the rubber plantations in the Jalan Bahar area.
Inside the Dragon
The Guan Huat Dragon Kiln is no longer used to fire ceramics. The last time that it was fired up was on 11 November 2006 at the official launch of the Jalan Bahar Clay Studios.
Nowadays, the artists at Jalan Bahar Clay Studios prefer to make use of electric or gas kilns that can reach higher temperatures than the dragon kiln can handle.
Instead, the artist community at Jalan Bahar Clay Studios serve as custodians of the Guan Huat Dragon Kiln. This includes reimagining it an exhibition space.
When we visited, there was a special pottery exhibition taking place inside the dragon kiln. This gave us a unique opportunity to step inside the dragon kiln.
It was almost like entering another world – isolated from the light and sounds from the outside. We could imagine the ashes and sparks swirling around inside the dragon kiln when it was fired.
JBCS Gallery
Aside from visiting the Guan Huat Dragon Kiln, there is also a gallery that where you can view the items that were produced at the Guan Huat Dragon Kiln. These include the latex cups, made out of local, white Jurong Formation Clay.
Another interesting item that was made at the dragon kiln is a bowl, used for making rojak.
The Gallery also displays the works of the artists who have studios within Jalan Bahar Clay Studios.
Artist Studios
There are more than 27 artists based in 16 studios at Jalan Bahar Clay Studios. Walking around the compound, you may even see them at work in their studios.
Curious about what they do? You can approach them to find out more and, if they have the time, they may be able to share with you about their practice.
Visiting Jalan Bahar Clay Studios
Jalan Bahar Clay Studios is directly connected to The Potter’s Garden at Jurong Innovation District via a footpath and small gate. This can be found close to the swings at The Potter’s Garden playground.
It can also be accessed by Lorong Tawas.
Jalan Bahar Clay Studios is operated by Focus Ceramic Services.
Where: 97L Lorong Tawas, Singapore 639824
Opening Hours:
Monday to Saturday, 8 am to 5 pm; Closed on Sundays and Public Holidays
Gallery is open from Thursday to Saturday, 10 am to 4 pm.
Website: Jalan Bahar Clay Studios
If you enjoyed this story, we think that you will also enjoy reading about what you can find at The Potter’s Garden or this one on Thow Kwang Pottery Jungle. Or you may also enjoy this other story about pottery with kids.
