This film shows how containers called saggars were made. The saggars were traditionally used to hold pottery when in the kiln. Ralph Wheeldon, who is one of the last saggar makers provides a commentary describing the processes involved in their manufacture We first see Ralph slicing up thin pieces of marl clay. He puts these pieces in a large rectangular shape on a table for the purpose. Next he beats the clay to flatten it. Meanwhile another man makes the base for the saggar. He similarly uses a lump of clay and flattens it into an oval shape. Ralph spreads sawdust over the clay to prepare for the mau'ing. This is when he uses a specially shaped wooden beater to smooth out the clay. Similarly the other man also uses a beater to smooth out the base. Next Ralph marks out and cuts the clay. He wraps a long strip of the clay around a shaped wooden block. This is then placed on the base. We see Ralph join the two pieces together. He reflects on the nature of the job which he started at a young age. He uses tools that he made himself. When the saggar is made it is put into a room to dry out. The last sequence shows Ralph carrying the dried saggar on his head to the saggar house.
No credits specified
The film's director was Gerald Mee. Filmed during 1981. The BFI give a release year of 1982.