Hi, my friend and I, have just moved into a new flat and we found this thing in our back garden. Left by a previous tenant or a previous, previous tenant, we don't know. And we really just wanted to know exactly what it is, and if it could be made functional again.

We think it might be a kiln, but we have no idea on how we could repair it and maybe learn to use it. It is a bit old looking and inside is crumbling a little bit. It has clearly seen better days.

But basically, it is obviously made in a metal barrel. It is very, very heavy. We can barely move it. Hence why it is still here I'm guessing. There is a little door at the bottom on the side. I'm guessing for putting the coals in. You can actually see coals still at the bottom of it. But we don't know if they are original or someone before us was trying an experiment too. We really know nothing, so any help would be appreciated.

Inside there is a thick layer of bricks and concrete, I think. I am guessing this is insulation or they heat up or something. And then there is a lid, and that really is about all there is to it.

The inside looks the worst, to be honest. Some of the concrete has started to flake off. But really I think we could repair it. How hard could it be?

We both love the idea of learning some pottery and maybe firing our own little projects. I don't know how we would get enough heat into it though. It does feel like it is missing some pieces. And we are missing a load of knowledge, lol.

So if anyone knows exactly what this thing is used for and how we could make it back to functioning. That would be greatly appreciated. Or maybe even send us in the right direction of a video or a tutorial, that would be great.

Thanks in advance.