Studio atmosphere
Linda Newman Ceramics is run by ceramicist Linda Newman from her countryside studio in Bowling, near Glasgow, ideally located between Loch Lomond and Glasgow in West Dunbartonshire, Scotland. Linda creates functional stoneware home and tableware, rooted in a love of clay, the process of making and the tactile experience of wheel throwing. She works slowly and thoughtfully with stoneware, valuing its strength, versatility and suitability for everyday use, and finishes her pieces with glazes she mixes and refines in the studio. Alongside making, Linda runs small, hands-on pottery wheel taster lessons that she finds incredibly rewarding, taking real pleasure in seeing students gain confidence, explore clay and sometimes continue their pottery journeys at home. For those who catch the bug and want to keep developing their skills, she also offers pottery studio space hire, giving returning clients dedicated wheel time to practise independently between lessons.
Classes & programs
Linda offers two ways to get started. The one-off Pottery Wheel Throwing Taster Workshop (£60) is a relaxed, hands-on introduction to wheel throwing, perfect for complete beginners, where you learn the fundamentals of centering, shaping and working with clay and make a few pieces during the session. The Throw, Trim & Glaze course (£150) runs over three weeks and takes you further into the process, covering wheel throwing in the first week followed by trimming and glazing your own pieces across the following sessions. With a maximum of four students per class, every workshop offers plenty of individual guidance in a fun, welcoming and creative environment. Returning students can also book studio space hire for independent wheel time.
Schedule & availability
Taster workshops and the 3-week Throw, Trim & Glaze course run on set dates through the year, with availability and booking managed online. Sessions are limited to a maximum of four students, so places are best booked ahead. Weekend workshops are available, making the studio an easy choice for a day out or a special occasion near Glasgow.
Facilities & tools
The studio is a cosy, well-equipped countryside pottery space in Bowling, West Dunbartonshire, set in a black wooden building between Loch Lomond and Glasgow. It is fitted out with pottery wheels for hands-on wheel throwing, and firing and glazing are handled by Linda so your pieces can be collected finished. Aprons are provided, and returning clients can hire the studio space for dedicated independent wheel time. If you are using directions to find the studio, Apple Maps is recommended over Google Maps.
Pricing
A one-off Pottery Wheel Throwing Taster Workshop is £60. The 3-week Throw, Trim & Glaze course is £150 and includes wheel throwing, trimming and glazing across the three sessions. For taster students who want to keep their work, Linda will trim your piece, do two firings and glaze a maximum of two pieces for a small charge of £10, ready to collect from the studio roughly two weeks after your class. Studio space hire is also available for returning students who want independent wheel time.
Best for
These workshops are designed for complete beginners and anyone curious about wheel throwing and working with clay, with no experience needed. They suit individuals, couples, families and small groups looking for a relaxed, welcoming and creative experience near Glasgow, and make a memorable gift or celebration for occasions such as birthdays and date days. With a maximum of four students and plenty of individual guidance, the sessions are ideal for those who want personal attention in a friendly countryside setting. Students who want to keep developing their skills can continue with the 3-week course or book studio space hire for independent practice.
FAQs
Do I need any experience to attend a pottery taster session?
Not at all. The wheel throwing workshops are designed for complete beginners, and you will receive hands-on guidance in a relaxed, friendly environment. With a maximum of four students, there is plenty of individual attention.
What is the difference between the taster and the 3-week course?
The one-off taster workshop (£60) is a single hands-on introduction to wheel throwing. The Throw, Trim & Glaze course (£150) runs over three weeks and takes you further, covering wheel throwing, then trimming and glazing your own pieces across the following sessions.
Can I keep the pottery I make?
Yes. For taster students, Linda will trim your piece, do two firings and glaze a maximum of two pieces for a small charge of £10. Your pottery will be ready to collect from the studio approximately two weeks after your class.
How long does it take for pottery to be ready after a class?
Typically your handmade pottery will be ready around two weeks after your workshop, once it has been trimmed, fired and glazed.
What should I wear to a pottery workshop?
Wear comfortable, old clothing that you do not mind getting messy. Aprons are provided, but clay can be stubborn.
Can I hire the studio space?
Yes. Studio space hire is available for returning students with some experience who want independent access to the wheel and work space between lessons. If you are new to pottery, the taster workshops are a better starting point.
Where is the studio and how do I get there?
The studio is in Bowling, West Dunbartonshire, ideally located between Loch Lomond and Glasgow and easily reached from the city. If you are using directions, Apple Maps is recommended over Google Maps.
