Made in Scotland: Art Pewter
Welcome to our Made in Scotland Blog where we celebrate those Scottish makers who are creating and producing genuine Scottish products right here in Scotland. This month we chatted with Michael from Art Pewter, a family business who have been running since the 1960’s in East Kilbride. They create beautiful pieces with Scottish Clan Crest badges and traditional Scottish knots and thistles that adorn jewellery, kilt pins, buckles, sgian dubhs, brooches, tie pins and giftware. There’s something for everyone who loves Scotland in this huge range of products. Read on to find out more about this fourth generation family business who are still designing and making pieces in Scotland.
Can you tell us how your business got started?
Our business was started by the late Scottish Industrialist Hamish Dawson-Bowman and continues to be owned and managed by the same family, now into the third and fourth generations! The company’s origins go back to the end of the Second World War when Hamish sought to start an initiative to revive the ancient art of the Scottish silversmith. Established as a Limited Company in 1968, we pride ourselves on the rich history our family business has in Scottish Design & Manufacture.
Where do you look for inspiration when you are designing new products?
We take inspiration from the rich history of Celtic Design. Many of our Celtic designs are inspired by ancient stone carvings which can be found across Scotland, in places such as the Isle of Iona. We also look to the stories of our past, with iconic symbols such as the Scottish Thistle – adopted over 700 years ago, when, according to legend, it was responsible for signalling the clandestine approach of a horde of bare-footed invaders! Or what of the Celtic Interlace, with its ‘overs and unders’ said to have represented the ‘ups and downs’ of life (I’m sure we can all relate). Tales such as these bring life and meaning to our designs.
Can you tell us a bit more about how you make your products?
Our products are cast from lead-free Pewter. We begin with a masterpiece, which typically will be hand carved to ensure a good level of detail. This will be placed into a moulding press, to make an impression, which we use to subsequently cast multiple pieces of the same design. Castings are then fettled, soldered and polished to achieve the required finish. It’s certainly the case that a lot of time and effort goes into producing each piece! We’re grateful to have a wonderful team who are key to ensuring the level of quality we aim for in each and every item.
What are your most popular products and which are your own favourites?
Art Pewter is a recognised brand worldwide, especially known as one of the leading suppliers of Clan Crest Regalia and Highland Dress Accessories. Our list of available clan crest badges currently stands at 120 styles, covering over 1,200 Scottish surnames. The heraldic accuracy of our crests is confirmed by the Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs, a testament to our commitment to manufacturing authentic, quality products. We find that our Clan Crest products hold deep meaning for those who wish to connect to their own ancestry, bridging the past with the present in a meaningful and tangible way.
One of my own favourite items we produce is our Wooden Quaich. This is our own take on a Traditional Scottish ‘Quaich’ – from the Gaelic ‘cuach’ meaning ‘cup’. We affix our cast Pewter ‘lugs’ to a carved, kiln-dried oak bowl, finishing the bottom with a piece of cork, etched with our logo. Shallow two-handled bowls such as these were used in Scotland as drinking cups from the 17th Century. Our ‘modern’ take makes an attractive gift!
Glen Coe
If you had to pick one place in Scotland to recommend that people visit, where would it be?
My number one spot to visit in Scotland is Glencoe. I have driven along the road through the glen many times – in sun, cloud, even snow – and the view never fails to amaze! My favourite place to stop for a photo is the small (and quite hidden – I have driven right past more than once) Aonach Eagach Car Park. With dramatic, steep-sided mountains on either side, to me it feels like I am truly in the Scottish Highlands!
Which other Scottish Makers do you love to recommend?
I would recommend Scotcrest, and in particular their Clan Crest Plaques. Similar to ourselves, they are a family run business keeping manufacturing alive in Scotland. The time and detail which goes into their plaques is tremendous.
Thanks so much to Michael for talking with us and do make sure to check out Art Pewter on their Website or Instagram!