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DESIGN INSPIRATIONS

 

Book of Kells
About 800AD, under Viking threat, a stunning illuminated manuscript of the Gospels was carried from Iona to the Irish abbey of Kells. It remains in Ireland to this day. The supreme example of Celtic High Art.

Celtic
The knotwork and interlace incorporated in these designs is formed from one continous line. Symbolising continuity, longevity and the hope for eternal life. The designs are popular in the Pictish school of Celtic Art.

Celtic Bird
Animals in Celtic mythology are linked to vitality and continued life. In addition, they are seen as a connection to the realm of spirits and gods. Birds are usually used to represent prophetic knowledge.

Celtic Cross
The stone crosses of Scotland are some of the earliest memorials of the development of early Christianity. The most famous being the two High crosses dedicated to St John and St Martin, which stand in front of the medieval abbey church on Iona.

Charles Rennie Mackintosh
Mackintosh was admired through Europe as an architect of genius and designer of interiors. His unique achievement was to join all elements and create an environment of unparallelled elegance.

Eilean Donan
Gaelic lettering evokes an ancient endearment 'My love is upon you'.

Finnish Beast
From Norse Heritage, this fantastical animal was carved on the hilt of an ancient sword found in Suontake, Finland.

Kells Bird
Birds played a special part in Celtic symbolism, soaring as freely as the spirits of the incomparable artists of Kells. From the humble sparrow to the cruel taloned eagle, birds throng Celtic Art, representing the Holy spirit- the soul.

Kildalton cross
This design is based on detail fom the magnificent 9th Century Celtic cross from Islay.

Loving Spoon
The custom of giving loving spoons as lasting tokens of affection goes back in time through Celtic history.

Luckenbooth
Dating from the 1700's, the luckenbooth is so called because of its sale from the 'locked booths' in Edinburgh's Royal Mile, traditionally the centre of the jewellery trade. Gifted by a young man to his betrothed, it was then pinned to the shawl of the first baby to protect it from evil spirits. The heart shaped design is significant of its purpose and a surmounting crown symbolic of Mary Queen of Scots.

Nouveau Celtic
A modern interpretation of the traditional flowing Celtic knotwork design showing interlacing cords and strands.

Pentland Wave
Inspired by the water surrounding the Orkney Islands. The Pentland design evokes the srtetch of water separating Orkney from the Scottish mainland.

Quaich
Quaich is a Scots rendering of the 'cuach' meaning a cup. Centuries ago they were built of wooden staves and by the 17th Century were often mounted in silver or entirely made from this metal. Quaichs were used for whisky or brandy. In the late 19th Century, Sir Walter Scott dispensed drams in silver inlaid quaichs. He kept one for himself which was particularly precious to him. In 1745, it travelled from Edinburgh to Derby with the Scottish army in Bonnie Prince Cahrlie's canteen. Its bottom was made of glass so that the drinker could keep watch on his companions. a more romantic quaich had a double glass in the bottom in which was kept a lock of hair, so that the owner could drink to his lady love. In 1589, King James VI of Scotland gave Anne of Norway a quaich or 'loving cup' as a wedding gift. The quaich was used for a visitors welcome or farewell cup by proud Clan chiefs, worthy merchants or humble crofters. Over the years, the quaich has kept its simple but beautiful shape and friendly purpose.

Runic Iris
Inspired by the Stone Age tomb Maes Howe built around 3000 BC. In the 12th Century, Vikings broke into the tomb and carved runes on the chamber walls.

Sjusta
Norse heritage. This interlaced pattern echoes carvings on a large rune stone in Sjusta, Sweden.

Sleipnir
Showing Odin, chief of the horse gods, mounted on his eight legged horse, Sleipnir.

St Magnus
In 1137, a romanesque cathedral was founded in Kirkwall by Earl Rognval. It commemorates his uncle Magnus, martyred on the nearby island of Egilsay. St Magnus cathedral remains the spiritual heart of Orkney.

St Peter's cross
This cross was inscribed on a stone at the early Christian chapel on the Brough of Birsay in Orkney.

Thistle
The thistle was used by the early Kings of Scotland as their personal heraldic crest. Legend tells that a night raider stepped on a thistle and yelled in pain, thus alerting the Scots to danger. The thistle blooms with a beautiful purple colour in the Highlands of Scotland.

Three Nornes
The Three Nornes fates of Norse mythology symbolising Past, Present and Future, transform themselves into three swans for ease of travel.

Tree of Life
For many different peoples, trees have had a symbolic association with life, friendship, harmony and unity with all creation. The motif dates to the 7th Century.

Tudor
The arts and fashions of the Tudor age were rich with embroidery tapestry and precious stones. Few periods in history have equalled the Tudor taste for sumptious decoration.

 

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