Cobology

Modified Cob Mixes (M.C.M) & Experimental Kilns

By Paul Devon Young


Cobology is the name given by Paul Devon Young to a new body of ceramic and sculptural research focused on the development of Modified Cob Mixes (M.C.M)—an innovative take on traditional cob building, reimagined for high-temperature kiln design and ceramic production.


Drawing from local materials and decades of experimentation, Paul has refined a series of cob recipes using:


Refractory Clays
Dartmoor Granite Clays
Grog Sand & Mineral Additives
Bracken Fern (as a replacement for traditional straw)



These new M.C.M. blends result in cob materials that are not only structurally durable, but also capable of withstanding the intense heat required for firing ceramics—merging architectural tradition with geological science and artistic vision.

Aquatic Patina

My latest body of work explores aquatic patina, moving between terrestrial and aquatic environments. The sculptures are deliberately off-symmetrical, taking their forms from boulders, pebbles and other naturally weathered shapes. They are made through a combination of casting and hand-building, allowing the surfaces and forms to retain a sense of geological irregularity.

Devon Kilns

My latest projects explore MCM clays in the design and reconstruction of the Cloam kilns, historic 14th-century Devon pottery kilns. Through this research, I have completed a replica based on the original kiln design, using MCM clay to investigate the relationship between traditional kiln construction, material and contemporary ceramic practice.