About

I first touched clay in about 2000 as I was finishing training as a nurse in Edinburgh. I saw a sign for evening classes in the Meadows Pottery, I had always wanted to have a go at throwing and after the first class I was hooked! Paul Tebble was a brilliant and very inspiring teacher and encouraged me to believe that this was something I could do as more than a hobby.

Over the following years I did many throwing courses in weekends and sometimes residential weeks between working as a nurse and having my three children. I set up a small space with a wheel and kiln in the old washhouse where I could practise.

In 2013 I graduated from Newcastle College with a Foundation Degree in Contemporary Ceramics in Practice after travelling down once a week for 3 years. I then set up Belinda Glennon Ceramics as a business. Ben, my husband, built a new studio for me in 2015 where I now work, which has natural light and a wood burner! Light and heat! A joy after working in the damp, cold dark washhouse for so long!

More about my creative process below…

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Throwing

I was immediately drawn to throwing. I love the feel of the clay in my hands. Throwing the clay on the wheel feels like a collaboration. It takes a very long time to learn to be able to find a way to work together with the clay. I love every piece I make, every piece is unique and is part of my story.

I was quite fixated on learning to throw. I learnt tips and tricks from every potter who taught me and part of their skill is now part of mine. I feel those influences still every time I’m at the wheel.

Belinda Glennon

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Glazing

My interest in glazing has developed over the years. My first love was throwing and then my love of glazing began. After the effort of making a good pot I would sometimes be unhappy with the final result after glazing.

I have always made my own glazes. So I began to test more, change them, do line blends, learn more about glaze chemistry and slowly I developed a pallet of glazes where I could begin to express something. That something was my love and connection to the Isle of Harris.    

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Inspiration

My ceramics have developed (unexpectedly!) into a personal exploration of my connection to the wild and beautiful Isle of Harris. I grew up in England but spent all the long summer holidays in Harris with my grandparents and family. It was always the place that felt like home.

The island’s ever changing light, the landscape as well as so many childhood memories give never-ending inspiration. Ceramics have provided a path to lead me through this continuing journey.